The Wide World of Pearls, Our 119th Issue: Can You Explain The Akoya Pearl Grading System?
Eye Candy
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Delicately draped over a pussy willow branch, cultured Japanese Akoya pearls shine with luster and grace.
You Asked ...
Every day we receive questions from customers all over the world about pearls. We decided to post our answers here for every one to read!
Can You Explain The Akoya Pearl Grading System?
We Answer:
The A-AAA Pearl Grades are also known as the Japanese Grading System, and applies specifically to Japanese Akoya pearls. In this grading system, "A" represents the lowest, most commercial grades, and "AAA" represents the highest grades with the most beautiful pearls.
The A-AAA Grading System uses all 7 Value Factors to evaluate our pearls and assign each strand or pair of earrings its spot on this easy to understand scale.
There are 7 “value factors” that jewelers use to assign a monetary value to cultured pearls. There are 5 major factors that comprise a pearl’s place on the A-AAA Grade.
Akoya Pearl Value Factors Are:
Shape
Surface Quality
Luster
Matching
Nacre Thickness
In this post, let's examine the A-AAA Akoya Pearl Quality pearl grading scales so you can get more familiar with what each pearl grade should look like.
AAA Quality Pearls
Shape: True Round, No Deviation from Perfectly Round Shape
Surface Quality: 95-99% Clean to the Eye. 1 Deep Inclusion Allowable for Full Strand.
Luster: Very High to Excellent / Mirror-Like. Mostly Detailed Reflections Visible in Surfaces
Matching: Near-Perfect to Perfect for Size, Shape, Body Color, Overtone, Surface Quality and Luster
Nacre Thickness: Visibly Thick, No Blinking
AA+ Quality Pearls
Shape: True Round, No Deviation from Perfectly Round Shape
Surface Quality: 90-95% Clean to the Eye. 2-3 Deep Inclusions Allowable for Full Strand.
Luster: Very High / Almost Mirror-Like. Slightly Detailed Reflections Visible in Surfaces
Matching: Near-Perfect to Perfect for Size, Shape, Body Color, Overtone, Surface Quality and Luster.
Nacre Thickness: Visibly Thick, Very Little to No Blinking
AA Quality Pearls
Shape: True Round, No Deviation from Perfectly Round Shape
Surface Quality: 80-85% Clean to the Eye. Deep Inclusions Allowable for Full Strand, Pearls Will Appear Spotted Upon Easy Inspection.
Luster: Good / Blurry Reflections Visible in Surfaces
Matching: Good to Very Good Matching for Size, Shape, Body Color, Overtone, Surface Quality and Luster
Nacre Thickness: Visibly Thin, Some Blinking Can Be Seen on Up-Close Viewing
A Quality Pearls
Shape: True Round, No Deviation from Perfectly Round Shape
Surface Quality: 65-70% Clean to the Eye. Deep Inclusions Allowable for Full Strand, Pearls Will Appear Spotted Upon Easy Inspection.
Luster: Fair to Poor / Some Blurry Reflections Visible in Surfaces. Some Pearls Can Look “Chalky”
Matching: Good Matching for Size, Shape, Body Color, Overtone, Surface Quality and Luster
Nacre Thickness: Visibly Thin, Blinking Can Be Seen on Up-Close Viewing
*Pearls of Joy does not offer AA or A Quality Akoya pearls.
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Our Japanese Akoya white pearl double strand necklace is an absolute stunner, guaranteed to attract attention. Customize your necklace with your choice of pearl overtone, length, and clasp type and color.
From jeans to ballgowns, a Japanese Akoya white pearl double strand necklace is appropriate for every occasion.
