| Hi Ivona,
You are so right! I just clicked over and took a quick look at this scale--sorry the chart did not copy quite as shown.
Cultured Tahitian Pearl Grading
PearlParadise.com has adopted the Tahitian pearl grading standards set forth by GIE Perles de Tahiti, and the Ministere de la Perliculture of Tahiti; the governmental organizations of French Polynesia dedicated to the promotion and regulation of Tahitian pearls, and consumer protection.
Please note, PearlParadise.com does not subscribe to superfluous grades such as AAA+ and AAAA. These are not industry accepted grades.
A-D (Tahitian) Grading A-AAA Grading
Grading Description and Criteria
Top Gem = Gem Grade Flawless pearl with excellent luster
Pearl exhibits no inclusions or imperfections prior to setting or drilling
A = AAA Flawless on at least 90% of pearl’s surface
Only 10% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only a single deep inclusion allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to virtually clean
Luster is very high
A/B = AA+ Flawless on at least 80% of pearl’s surface
Only 20% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to nearly clean
Luster is high to very high
B = AA Flawless on at least 70% of pearl’s surface
Only 30% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
Pearl should drill or set nearly clean
Luster is high to very high
C = A+ Flawless on at least 40% of pearl’s surface
Up to 60% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Deep inclusions are limited to 10% of pearl’s surface
Luster is medium to very high
D = A
At least 60% of pearl’s surface will exhibit flaws
Deep inclusions and/or white spots within inclusions on up to 20% of pearl’s surface
Luster is poor to very high
Not sure how the variation of color on one pearl is considered--good thing I will be taking the pearl grading course next week!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
Last edited by pattye; 02-26-2008 at 08:18 PM.
Reason: clean up post
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