South Sea Pearl Grading

The approach used for South Sea pearl grading is almost similar to that of culture Tahitian pearls. The two most commonly accepted grading systems for South Sea pearls are the A-AAA system and the A-D system. The grading system is as follows:

Top Gem / Gem Grade

• Excellent luster, Gem Grade Flawless pearl
• No inclusions or imperfections before setting or drilling

Grade A / AAAA

• Flawless on at least 90% of the surface
• Slight, concentrated imperfections present in not more than 10% of pearl's surface
• Pearl should set clean or drill to virtually clean
• Only a single deep inclusion
• Very high luster

Grade AB / AAA

• Flawless on at least 80% of the surface
• Slight, concentrated imperfections only present in less than 20% of the surface
• Pearl should set clean or drill to nearly clean
• Only one or two deep inclusions
• Very high luster

Grade B / AA

Fourth class of South Sea pearls, which is defined by the following characteristics:

• Flawless on at least 70% ofthe surface
• Slight, concentrated imperfections only present in less than 30% of the surface
• Pearl should set or drill nearly clean
• Only one or two deep inclusions
• Very high luster

Grade C / A+

Fifth class of South Sea pearls, which is defined by the following characteristics:

• Flawless on at least 40% of the surface
• Slight, concentrated imperfections in less than 60% of the surface
• Deep inclusions are limited to only 10% of the surface
• Medium to a very high luster

Grade D / A

Sixth class of South Sea pearls, which is defined by the following characteristics:

• At least 60% of the surface will exhibit flaws
• White spots and/or deep inclusions within inclusions on up to 20% of the surface
• Poor to a very high luster

Important Point to Note: South Sea pearls are renowned for their satiny and warm luster that does not exhibit the same typical reflective qualities of other culture pearls.