Pearl Quality and Value

The quality of cultured freshwater pearls is evaluated on the basis of 3 main parameters, pearl luster, pearl shape and the presence or absence of blemishes on the surface of the pearl.
 

1. Pearl luster: Luster is determined by the sharpness of images reflected from the surface of the pearl, the sharper the image, the more lustrous the pearl appears. Pearls with high luster show mirror like reflections, and appear luminous and iridescent. Pearls with low luster appear dull and chalky or milky. Luminous, iridescent pearls are most pleasing to the eye and therefore highly valued.
 

2. Pearl shape: Cultured freshwater pearls come in various shapes, round, oval, flat or baroque, with round pearls being the most valued. Perfectly round cultured freshwater pearls are rare. Pearls graded as perfectly round have ≤3% deviation in symmetry. Those with deviation ≥12% are considered oval. Baroque pearls have no axis of symmetry and can take interesting shapes.
 

3. Pearl surface: The highest quality cultured freshwater pearls have a smooth and even surface with no blemishes visible to the naked eye. Blemishes consist of small bumps, indentations, imperfections on the surface. Pearls without blemishes are rare and consist of a small percentage of the pearl harvest and can command a very high price. Small blemishes on pearls are acceptable. However, any serious damage such as cracks or chips in the nacre must be avoided since these conditions will affect the longevity of the pearl and its value.
 

4. Pearl size: Cultured freshwater pearls vary in size from 1-12 mm in diameter (round pearls). The bigger sizes make up a small percentage of the pearl harvest and therefore command higher price.

5. Pearl color: Pearl color is primarily a matter of test and does not normally figure in the grading or value of the pearl. In general white, peach and pink colors complement light complexions whereas lavender, purple gold colors complement darker complexions.

In addition to the five parameters described above, cultured freshwater pearl strands are valued on the basis of additional factors such as how well the of the pearls, and the color of the pearls match. For cultured freshwater pearl strands a 1 mm variation in pearl size is common, e.g. 7-8 mm. Variation of 0.5 mm in a pearl strand is very good. Pearls come in a spectrum of colors. Thus, making a well matched pink pearl strand or lavender pearl strand is an art in itself. Another important factor is the thickness of the nacre, which will determine how durable the pearl will be over time. Pearls with thick nacre are harder than those with thin nacre and are more durable. Freshwater cultured pearls are solid nacre.

The AAA-A Pearl Grading System

The AAA pearl grading system grades pearls on a scale from AAA to A, with AAA being the highest grade, this pearl grading scale is common to freshwater and Akoya pearls only, but is accepted by many South Sea and Tahitian pearl dealers as well.

AAA: Virtually flawless pearls. Surface luster is very high, and 95% of the pearl surface is free from defects.

Our classic cultured freshwater pearl necklaces come in AAA and AA grade only.

Pearl Care

Compared to mineral gemstones, and precious metals, pearls are relatively soft. Therefore, it is important to take special care of your pearls to ensure they will remain lustrous and beautiful for generations to come. Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl over extended periods of time. Even acids contained in body oils and perspiration can dull the luster in the same way.

Dos and Don'ts of pearl care:
• Avoid exposing pearls to cosmetics, hair sprays, perfumes and other chemicals. Always put your pearls on after finishing all your grooming.
• Avoid extended contact with skin on a hot day.
• Do not wear your pearl into a hot bath or shower, since extended exposure to high temperature will diminish the luster of the pearls.
• Wipe your pearls with a soft non-abrasive piece of cloth after each use.
• Occasionally gently wipe the pearls with a wet soft towel.
• Store your pearls in a soft silky container such as a Leatherette Pearl Folder with a silk satin lining. Avoid contact with other hard jewelry and other hard objects to avoid scratching the pearl surface
• Depending on the frequency of use, it is recommended that you re-string your pearls ones every few years to avoid string breakage and lose of your pearls. Silk or nylon, with knots between each pearl is recommended

Take good care of your pearls and enjoy them for a lifetime!