EDUCATION - PEARL GRADES

Southseapearl.com directly imports the finest quality pearls at deep discounted prices. We personally hand select each pearl that goes into every strand. Our reputation of only offering the finest of quality defines us. As a rigorously run family business we are able to keep our expenses low and offer you the best in quality and price.

We use stringent guidelines when selecting and grading our pearls. Our cultured pearls are an exquisite gift from nature. No dyes, cuts or coatings are used to enhance their beauty. No two pearls are completely alike in color, skin surface, or shape, and have birthmarks just like us. These beauty marks appear as various size “pores” on the surface where the nacre has not covered. The frequency and quantity of these marks determine the classification of the pearl as well as the luster and color.

Luster: Natural sheen and luminosity of a pearl’s surface

AAA1: The highest quality, with very slight imperfections to gem quality flawless. The naturally occurring birthmarks of the pearl would consist of 10% or less in a concentrated area on the surface of the pearl. The luster of the pearl would be high to excellent. This quality represents a very small percentage of the world’s harvest. Beautiful, stunning quality pearls.

AAA2: The pearls in this grade would exhibit surfaces with 80% perfection. The remaining 20% may exhibit slight, concentrated birthmarks. The pearl luster would be good to very high. These pearls are lovely and represent the top quarter of all pearls harvested.

AA1: The pearls that qualify for this grade would have concentrated birthmarks on 30 to 35% of the surface of the pearl. The pearls we choose are good to high luster, and make beautiful jewelry.

Southseapearl.com chooses not to use lower quality pearls which are available on the pearl market, and which you may see on other sites or in jewelry and department stores. We value our customers’ satisfaction. Our exquisite pearl jewelry will stand the test of time for generations to come.