The A - D System (or Tahitian System)
This system grades pearls on a scale from A to D, with A being
the highest grade. This is the system used in French Polynesia
(based on a government standard there) to grade Tahitian pearls.
It is therefore sometimes referred to as the "Tahitian system."
To make your shopping experience easier at PearlsOfJoy.com we
utilize the AAA-A system for all of our pearls.
Below is an explanation of the tahitian system and how it relates
to the grading used at PearlsOfJoy.com
| Tahitian
System Grade |
Pearls
Of Joy Grade |
Description |
| A | AAA | The highest-quality pearl, with very high luster with only minor imperfections over less than 10% of its surface. These imperfections are then used as marks for drill holes. |
| B | AA+ | High or medium luster. Surface may have some visible imperfections, but over no more than 30% of its area. |
| C | AA | Medium luster with surface defects over not more than 60% of the surface area. |
| D | A | May have many
slight defects, but no deep ones, spread over 60% of its surface;
or deep defects over no more than 60% of its surface; or a
combination of minor and deep defects over no more than 60%
of its surface. In this grade of pearl, the luster is irrelevant.
Even the most lustrous pearls will be graded D if their surface
is blemished to this extent. |
More Tahitian Pearl Information:
Tahitian Pearl BasicsTahitian Pearl Grading System
Tahitian Pearl Value Factors
