| AAA: AAA quality pearls are 95% inclusion free. This means that only 5% of the surface area will have a mark, blemish, pinpoint or some type of imperfection. The luster of the pearl is mirror like with a very thick layering of nacre.
Hanadama: The literal translation is "spherical flower" and they are sometimes they are referred to as "Flower Pearls". This term is used to describe the absolute best pearl available. Hanadama grade pearls have a surface that is free of all marks, blemishes or other imperfections. They have the highest luster available on a pearl and they have the thickest layering of nacre. They are the absolute best Akoya pearl available. Hanadama pearls are more expensive because you are dealing with approximately the top 1% of the harvest. AAA grade pearls represent the top 3% - 5% of the harvest.
Make no mistake, AAA quality pearls are far superior that what you will find in most of your local jewelry stores, but Hanadama grade pearls are the best available - period. |