Every gemstone has some specific system by which it is differentiated into different grades. Just like 4 C’s of diamond grading system pearl also has its own grading system depending on different factors. The grading of pearls is basically depends upon size, shape, color, luster, surface quality and nacre quality. All these factors collectively affect overall quality, rarity and beauty of pearl.

From all these six factors, size of pearl play the most important role in evaluating pearls. Pearl industry does not have a universal grading system; there are two major grading systems which are widely used; the AAA to A grading system and A to D grading system. A to D system is special grading system used for evaluating only Tahitian pearls.

The AAA-A grading system

This system is usually used for grading freshwater pearls and akoya pearls; many dealers use this system also to evaluate South sea pearls. In this system pearls are graded from AAA to A. AAA is highest grade for pearls.
AAA- pearl with this grade is virtually the flawless, with very high luster and almost 95-96% of pearl surface will be free from surface blemishes.
AA- pearl with “AA” grading will have very high luster and almost 80% for pearl surface will be free from any type of blemishes.
A-This is lowest grade in this pearl grading system; pearls with this grade will have low surface luster and almost more than 30% of pearl surface will show some kind of surface blemishes.

The A-D grading system (Tahitian grading system)

This pearl grading system is exclusively for Tahitian pearls and sometimes South Sea pearls; so the name Tahitian system. This system pearls are graded on scale from A to D.
This system is used in only countries which produce these pearls.
- Pearl with A grade is highest quality pearl with very high luster and very minor surface imperfections; almost the perfect Black pearl.
- Pearl with B grade may have high or medium luster; pearl surface may have some blemishes.
- Pearl will have medium luster and more visible surface blemishes.
- Pearls with this grade have very low luster and over 60% of pearl surface may have visible surface blemishes.

For more information on Pearl grading system, click here.

Loose pearls are available in a great variety of colors, shapes, sizes and surface qualities.

Pearls are available in pink, silvery white, cream, gold, gray, black, lavender, blue, purple and most other colors. A pearl can come in different shapes like round, drop, rice, button, oval, semi-rounded, circle or ringed, baroque etc.

The quality of pearls is determined by its luster, nacre thickness, color, surface perfection, shape, and size. The biggest factor of pearl grade is nacre thickness and quality, which determines how long the pearl will last. Nacre thickness determines the longevity of the pearl and quality determines how light reflects through the layers of the pearl.

Quality pearls will have a sharp contrast between the brightest area, where direct light is hitting the pearls, and the shaded area, creating an illusion of a ball within the pearl. For an accuracte examination of your pearls, look at them over a light gray or white material; never examine pearls against a black background.

Pearl shape can vary widely. Perfectly round pearls are the most expensive amongst them all. Drohttp://www.orientalpearls.net/Pearl_Pendants.htmlp and pear shaped pearls are well suited for earrings and pendants.

Larger pearls are more expensive. Round pearls are measured according to their diameter in millimeters. Baroque pearls are measured by length and width.