| Small visible inclusions are somewhat standard on pearls that most grade as AA+. The luster is the most important factor (by far) when grading Akoya pearls. I have seen some that appear perfectly clean with a medium-lower luster that are graded as only A+. In Japan, a strand can actually be graded 'hanadama' and have some marks on the pearls like small dimples, spots or waves. The grading is given to the luster first. This is why there is no classification of 'clean' for Akoya pearls given by the Pearl Science Lab of Japan. The highest possible grade is 'lightly blemished'.
You will find more of the perfect surface (although inclusions are usually much deeper because of the nacre depth) on high-end freshwater and South Sea. When you buy Akoya you are buying the luster! |