How to Determine the Quality of Pearls?
Pearls are one of the important gems in the jewelry market and following are three different kinds of pearls available:
Akoya
Freshwater
South sea – white, Tahitian and golden
Each of these types of pearls is created in an oyster from different regions of the world and they live in different climatic conditions.
You may find complete details about various kinds of pearls on the internet by clicking here.
Following are few of the parameters based on which the pearl quality is usually determined in the jewelry market.
Pearl size
Pearl size is generally determined by measuring its diameter in millimeters. Its diameter can vary between 1 mm to 20 mm however average pearls available are about 6.5 mm to 11 mm. Larger the size will decide its value.
Pearl shape
Pearls are available in following shapes:
Round
Near-round
Semi-round
Oval
Button
Drop
Baroque
Semi-Baroque
The shape is one factor to determine its quality and, in general, round or near-round pearls will be considered as most valuable.
Pearl color
There are three components of color – first impression i.e. hue, lightness or darkness called tone and strength/intensity called saturation.
Pearl may come in varieties of colors e.g. white, aqua, champagne, golden, green, and black etc.
Pearl luster
Luster is one of the important factors to determine the pearl quality. Luster is considered as combination of deep glow and surface brilliance. Usually pearls are graded as AAA, AA+, AA, A and sub-par.
Pearl surface quality
Since pearls are organic item and hence its surface qualities may also be different. Cleaner the surface it will be more valuable. They are graded as
Clean
Lightly blemished
Moderately blemished
Heavily blemished
Pearl nacre quality
It is a natural substance which the mollusk will deposit on the pearl to protect it. It may consist of many different layers. They can be graded as follows:
Acceptable
Nucleus visible
Chalky appearance
Pearl matching
Matching of pearl is more important while considering strand of pearls. There will be minor variations among the pearls as they are natural product.
While considering pearl matching, one has to see uniformity in size, shape, color and luster.
