While there is no official, industry-standard pearl classification, there is more than one pearl classification system in common use. These classification systems take into account the shape, size, color and other considerations when evaluating the quality of a pearl. Even when consulting a professional, keep in mind the phrase "the buyer be careful." Make sure you know what the grade assigned to your wholesale trendy jewelry pearl actually means.
Instructions
Investigate the two main systems of pearl classification, the AAA-A system and the system from A to D of Tahiti. Ask the seller to provide a written description of all the classification terms so that he knows the characteristics of the pearl at any given degree.
2 Examine the pearl and find out the grade assigned to it by the jewelry supplies seller. See if the characteristics of the assigned rating fit the pearl. In the AAA-A system, AAA beads are virtually impeccable, possess a very high brightness, and are free of defects on 95 percent of the surface. These pearls are perfectly round and are considered gem quality. AA beads have a very high gloss with 75 percent of the surface free of defects. Category A and the lowest jewelry grade for pearls is a lower gloss with more than 25 percent of the surface defects. For pearls that fall between two categories, terms such as A + or AA + are used.
3 Stay alert for warning signs in the pearl classification. For the AAA-A system, AAA is the highest quality. If they tell you that it is a pearl of AAAA or AAA +, it is time to switch to another provider. These grades do not exist in the classification system and are simply an attempt to add value to the pearl to get a higher price.
4 Determine if the Tahiti system is being used. This system assigns scores on a scale from A to D, with A being the highest grade of quality. This is the system used for the pearls of Tahiti grade and the South Sea. It is more or less corresponds to the AAA-A system.
5 Find out the thickness of the nacre, sometimes called the mother-of-pearl, on the surface of the pearl. Note that the government of French Polynesia uses a minimum thickness of .8 millimeters for Tahiti pearls. This number can be used as a guide for other types of pearls. The thickness of the nacre determines the lasting shape will be the pearl and contributes to its quality and degree.
Tips and warnings
Buy pearls from a trusted wholesale jewelry distributor and whenever possible, they will be valued by an expert before purchase to be sure of the quality of the pearls.
Because there is no standardized system for classification beads and the classification process can be subjective, make sure you understand the grade and what the characteristics it represents.
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