Pearl Grading

Understanding Pearl Grades

The most important thing to understand when comparing pearl grades: Every company in the world that sells pearls uses a grading system that they themselves arbitrarily created. There is no standardized system. When pearls are purchased wholesale, a range of quality and price is always presented. Buyers determine which pearls fall into their respective grading categories. One buyer’s AAA grade can be another’s A or AA grade simply because one is selecting from a more expensive, higher range of pearl. The highest-rated pearl from one seller might not meet the minimum threshold of another seller’s lowest grade—even if the presented letter grades are identical. The result of this unregulated system is sheer confusion! Once you understand this about pearl grading, the most important thing to remember when shopping for pearls is finding a reputable company, one with many years of experience and the ability to back what they sell.

The Pearl Paradise Grading System

Pearl Paradise has a stringent approach to grading that we’d like to share with you. Understanding where your pearl is from and it’s unique qualities is one of the joys of owning a beautiful pearl, surely making it a piece to be treasured forever.
(TIP: view grading charts by hovering over or clicking the pearl type)

Grading Chart for Akoya Pearls

Akoya are the quintessential, classic pearls, prized for their perfect round shape and unmistakable luster.
For decades, we have been working with the same family-run pearl companies in Japan. They understand our rigorous grading standards and select pearls specifically for Pearl Paradise. They ensure the pearls we offer are from the top range of each grading category. This is something you’ll recognize and appreciate the moment you open the box.

Grade	Hanadama	AAA	AA+	A
Factorsrarity i	less than 1% annual yield	1-3% annual yield	3-10% annual yield	20% annual yield
luster i	reflection is mirror like	reflection is bright and sharp	reflection is bright and near sharp	reflection is bright but hazy around edges
shape i	perfect round	perfect round	perfect round	round to near round
surface quality i	98-100% blemish free	95% blemish free or better	85-95% blemish free or better	75-85% blemish free or better
matching i	excellent	good to excellent	good to excellent	fair to excellent
nacre quality i	extremely thick	visibly thick	medium thickness	thin

Grading Chart for Freshwater Pearls

Best known for their whimsical shape, variety of colors and shapes, the character of freshwater pearls is unparalleled. Because they offer a wider diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes than any other type of pearl, there are freshwater pearls that complement every style.

Since 1997, we have specialized in sourcing round freshwater pearls. As round shapes are the exception and not the rule in freshwater, the pearls we offer are truly special.

Grade	Freshadama	AAA	AA+	A
Factorsrarity i	less than 1% annual yield	1-3% annual yield	5% annual yield	20% annual yield
luster i	reflection is mirror like	reflection is bright and sharp	reflection is bright and near sharp	reflection is bright but hazy around edges
shape i	round	round to the eye	near round	near round to off round
surface quality i	98-100% blemish free	95% blemish free or better	85-95% blemish free or better	75-85% blemish free or better
matching i	excellent	excellent	good to excellent	fair to excellent
nacre quality i	solid nacre	solid nacre	solid nacre	solid nacre

Grading Chart for Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls and have become some of the most sought-after pearls in the world. Because of their vast color range, matching these pearls into a finished strand is an enormous task requiring thousands of loose pearls to create a single strand.

We carry the largest selection of 100% genuine, natural-color Tahitian pearls online. We use only fine, export-grade Tahitian pearls in all our jewelry prices, and every necklace is individually photographed.

Grade	Top Gem	AAA	AA+	A
Factorsrarity i	less than 1% annual yield	1-3% annual yield	10% annual yield	20% annual yield
luster i	excellent	very high	medium to high	low to medium
surface quality i	98-100% blemish free	90% blemish free or better	80% blemish free or better	70% blemish free or better
color i	- Tahitian pearls come in a range of dark colors, and those colors are described in the detail of the jewelry we offer. -

Grading Chart for South Sea Pearls

Their large size, limited culturing area, and extended growth period all combine to make South Sea pearls the rarest of all pearl types. Found in colors ranging from optic white to a deep, honey gold, these pearls are prized by collectors and designers alike. Their luster, whether white or golden, is soft and luxurious. Golden South Sea pearls are among the rarest and most sought-after pearls in the world.

Grade	Top Gem	AAA	AA+	A
Factorsrarity i	less than 1% annual yield	1-3% annual yield	10% annual yield	20% annual yield
luster i	excellent	very high to excellent	medium to high	low to medium
surface quality i	98-100% blemish free	90% blemish free or better	80% blemish free or better	70% blemish free or better
color i	- South Sea Pearls are found in colors ranging from optic white to honey gold. -