Pearl Quality Guide
Pearl quality is best understood by looking at several characteristics together, rather than by relying on a single letter grade. At Pearls Lover, our quality descriptions help you compare luster, surface, shape, color, size, and nacre where nacre information is relevant to the pearl type.
What to Look For
- Luster: The intensity and sharpness of the reflection on the pearl surface.
- Surface: The amount and visibility of natural surface characteristics.
- Shape: How closely the pearl approaches a round or perfect-round shape.
- Color and Overtones: The pearl’s body color and visible secondary colors.
- Nacre: The nacre thickness and quality, especially important for saltwater pearls.
AA+ Quality
AA+ pearls generally have high to very high luster, a bright reflection, and a very clean-looking surface with minor visible natural characteristics. The shape may be round or near-round, as specified on the individual product page.
- High to very high luster
- Very clean-looking surface
- Minor visible natural surface characteristics
- Round or near-round shape, where specified
AAA Quality
AAA pearls generally have very high or exceptional luster and a very clean, smooth-looking surface with minimal visible natural surface characteristics. The shape may be round or perfect-round, as specified on the individual product page.
- Very high or exceptional luster
- Very clean, smooth-looking surface
- Minimal visible natural surface characteristics
- Round or perfect-round shape, where specified
- Thick or very thick nacre where stated in the product details
Natural Variation
Pearls are natural products. Small variations in surface, color, overtone, and shape are normal and help make each pearl unique. Product pages specify the pearl type, origin when available, size range, quality, color, luster, and metal details for that design.