Measuring Pearl Quality

The type of pearl is perhaps the most basic factor to consider: whether the pearl is a freshwater pearl, an akoya pearl, a South Sea pearl, or some other variety. Each type of pearl is created by a different species of oyster, usually living in a different region of the world and under varying climatic conditions. All of these factors have an impact on the characteristics of the resulting pearl. Most types of pearl are used extensively in pearl jewelry. Some types of pearls are much rarer than others, increasing their value significantly for that reason alone. Other types are more common, meaning that the pearl's ultimate desirability and value will be determined by factors other than the type. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are generally larger than akoyas, and each type tends to have its own distinctive range of colors.

Luster and Nacre

Pearl luster -A pearl's luster is a measure of its brilliance and reflectivity. High-quality pearls are bright and shiny - you should be able to see your reflection in them. Lower-quality pearls have a more chalky or dull appearance. In general, saltwater pearls have a greater luster than freshwater pearls.
Nacre - you may not directly see how the pearl nacre effects the beauty and value of pearls. But it does! A very thin nacre thickness could reduce pearl luster, color evenness and durability and could never make a fine quality pearl. Freshwater pearls have a very thick pearl nacre. Akoya pearls nacre are the thinnest among all types of pearls.

Surface Quality

The appearance of the surface of the pearl is perhaps one of its most critical characteristics. The surface should be smooth and clean, without bumps, spots, discolorations, or other disfiguring characteristics. As noted, it should be shiny and reflective, rather than dull and chalky.

Color

Pearl color is another area where the most "valuable" pearl may or may not be the most appropriate pearl for you as an individual. Pearl colors range across almost the entire spectrum from white to black. Some naturally occurring colors include silver, cream, champagne, (gold) green, and blue. Note that the pearl's overtones are distinct from its basic color, and they allow pearls in the same color category to have much-different looks and hues. Although some colors are naturally rarer than others, and therefore more expensive, color is another factor where, all other things being equal, the "best" color for you is largely a matter of personal taste and what looks good on you as an individual.

Shape

The shape of the pearl is one important area where "value" and personal taste may diverge. Perfectly round pearls are extremely rare, and therefore very expensive. However, pearls come in a wide variety of interesting and unique shapes, and you may find some of these shapes even more appropriate to your own taste and personality. Button pearls are slightly flattened into a disk-like "button" shape; drop pearls are teardrop-shaped; ringed pearls exhibit a series of concentric indentations or rings; and baroque pearls are abstract and asymmetrical. Many high-quality pearls can be found in these alternate shapes - often at lower prices than a perfectly round pearl of the same quality - and you may find the unique shape to be even more personally appealing and satisfying.

Types

Knowing pearl types is the precondition of evaluating pearls. Each type of pearls has its own characteristics and valued standards. Among different types of pearls, saltwater pearls are more valuable than freshwater pearls. Natural pearls cost more than cultured pearls.

Treatment

Most of the pearls we see are treated more or less. Pearl treatment is a must process before these beautiful gemstones are put on the market. There are many methods to treat peard including polishing, bleaching, dyeing, filling, irradiation, coating and oiling...Treated pearl doesn't mean low quality. People use an exquisite craft to make pearls perfect. This is comparable to that of a diamond that can be called a diamond only after it is cut according to the rock's characteristics.

Size

the size of the pearl has a direct bearing on its quality and price. Larger pearls command higher prices (again, with all other factors being equal). The size of the pearl is measured by its diameter in millimeters. Akoya pearls tend to be in the 6-8 millimeter range, while South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls tend to be somewhat larger. By contrast, tiny "seed pearls" can be 1 millimeter or less in diameter. Most pearls sold today tend to fall into the 6.5-7.5 millimeter range.