Guide to Pearl Surface Grading

Cultured Pearl Surface Quality 

No two pearls are exactly the same, and one of the key factors that sets each apart is its surface quality. While perfect pearls are incredibly rare treasures, virtually all pearls exhibit some degree of imperfection.

Most pearl buyers encounter gemstones with some surface irregularities. Pearl enthusiasts understand that even the highest-quality pearls can have minor surface flaws. The critical aspects of surface quality are how visible these imperfections are and whether they impact the pearl’s durability.

Types of Surface Quality Characteristics

Significant surface issues, such as chips or gaps, can reduce the value of even the most luminous pearls. These flaws are particularly concerning because they may lead to cracking or peeling. Other common surface characteristics include:

• Scratches: Scratches or scuffs that can diminish the luster or alter the pearl's color.
• Spots: Minor variations in color.
• Bumps: Tiny bubbles on the pearl's surface.
• Wrinkles: Areas where the nacre is not smooth.

Some flaws, like a minor imperfection near a drilled hole, are often barely noticeable, even to experienced pearl experts.

Factors Influencing Surface Quality

Certain value factors can compensate for minor imperfections. For instance:

• Size: Larger pearls can tolerate small flaws without significantly affecting their value.
• Luster: High luster can minimize the visibility of surface irregularities.
• Uniformity: In a strand, one or two pearls with slight imperfections may not impact overall value if the rest of the pearls are nearly flawless. Value is often determined by consistency rather than minor variations.

Understanding these factors helps buyers appreciate the unique beauty of pearls while recognizing the attributes that contribute to their value.

Surface Grading

• Very Good: Allow 1-2 imperfection, up to 5% visible surface blemishes.
• Good: Allow 2-3 imperfection, up to 10% visible surface blemishes.
• Fair: Allow more than 3 imperfections, up to 20% visible surface blemishes.

Nexus8gg do not sell pearl that is worse than Fair, with most pearls in Very Good or Good condition.