--Choices PearlStyle-- --Freshwater Pearl-- --Akoya Pearl-- --South Sea Pearl-- --Tahitian Pearl--     

     --Choices PearlStyle-- --Freshwater Pearl-- --Akoya Pearl-- --South Sea Pearl-- --Tahitian Pearl--     

     --Choices PearlStyle-- --Freshwater Pearl-- --Akoya Pearl-- --South Sea Pearl-- --Tahitian Pearl--     

     --Choices PearlStyle-- --Freshwater Pearl-- --Akoya Pearl-- --South Sea Pearl-- --Tahitian Pearl--     

Diypearl Quality System

 

As to the quality system of pearl, firstly we have to know that there is no standard classification of pearls as there is with diamonds.  However, pearls are two grading systems generally existing for classifying pearls:

 

The first, A-D, is the most popular with the highest grade being A+; a pearl with highest luster, deepest orient, perfectly round, and minimal to no blemishes covering less than 10% of the pearl surface.  This is the grading system used by Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and G.I.E Perles de Tahiti (GIE PdT). 

 

The second system, AAA, AA+, AA, A, B, C, D, is a system used by farmers and vendors in an attempt to further separate the A+ grade in the GIA, GIE PdT system.  There is a third system that is widely used and meant to parallel the A-D system; AAA, AA+, AA, A.  In this system, A is paralleled by grade AAA and D is paralleled by grade A. 

 

For purposes of this guide, only the first two classifications will be considered. 

 

1.A+; AAA: Highest luster; Clean, smooth surface; Perfectly round shape; Mirror reflection; Highest orient; Deep color; Perfectly matched if paired.

 

2. A+; AA+: Highest luster; Minimal blemishes covering less than 10% of the pearl surface; Perfectly round shape; Mirror reflection; Highest orient; Deep color; Perfectly matched if paired.

 

3.  A+/AA: Excellent luster; Minimal to no blemishes covering less than 10% of the pearl surface; Perfectly round shape; Mirror reflection; Very high orient; Deep color; Perfectly matched if paired.

 

4.  A+/A+: Excellent luster; Blemishes cover less than 10% of the pearl surface; Perfectly round shape; Mirror reflection; Very high orient; Deep color; Perfectly matched if paired.

 

5.  A/A: Excellent luster; Blemishes cover less than 10% of the pearl surface; Round shape; Excellent reflection; High orient; Deep color; Excellent matching if paired.

 

6.B/B: High luster; Blemishes cover less than 33% of the pearl surface; Round shape; Good reflection; Good orient; Good color; Well matched if paired.

 

7.C/C: Moderate luster; Blemishes cover less than 66% of the pearl surface; Near round shape; Moderate reflection; Moderate orient; Moderate color; Moderate matching if paired.

 

8.D/D: Poor luster; Blemished surface; Off round; Dull reflection; Poor orient; Poor color; Poor matching if paired.

 

We, www.diypearl.com take the second system AAA, AA+, AA, A, B, C, and D. Shown in the table below:

 

Note: GIA is a shortened form of THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA, which was established in 1931 and is the world's largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. In the grand tradition of Europe's most respected institutes, GIA discovers, imparts, and applies gemological knowledge through research, education, and laboratory instrumentation to ensure the public trust in gems and jewellery. The GIA institute's scientists, graders, and educators are regarded, collectively, as the world's foremost authority in gemology.