The quality of a pearl is judged by evaluating a number of characteristics.
Parameters evaluated:
(1) surface luster (amount of light reflected)
(2) surface defects/blemishes
(3) sphericity and/or symmetry
|
Surface Luster
|
Surface Defects
|
Sphericity
|
Grade
|
|
low
|
more than 25%
|
poor to fair
|
A
|
|
moderate to high
|
less than 25%
|
fair to good
|
AA
|
|
very high
|
5%
|
good to very good
|
AAA
|
|
very high
|
less than 5%
|
very good
|
AAAA
|
|
perfect
|
0% free
|
perfect
|
AAAAA
|
Common surface defects:
(1) dents or divots
(2) score marks
(3) mottling
(4) knobs
(5) pin pricks
(6) rings or circles
In addition to these features:
(1) the larger the size the greater the value.
(2) if more than 1 pearl is present, then how well to the pearls match
