Learn more about pearl grading so you can make a more informed decision in your pearl purchases. 

#1 MOST IMPORTANT- There is no way to compare grades from one company to another. All grading systems are subjective and all are devised by each company themselves. There is just no standardized or universal grading system.

These are some of the standards that I use for grading my Freshwater pearls.

AAA (there are more specialized grades, but we will talk about those later).These Freshwater pearls are among the highest level available. they have excellent luster and are round to the eye. they have a clean surface and are perfectly matched in strands. Only the top 1% of pearls are AAA.

AA+  These pearls are of the highest grade, as well. they are near round to the eye and have a clean surface, with a strong luster. They have an almost clean surface and have good to excellent matching.

AA   These pearls have good to average luster and are near to off round. Their surface is 80-100% clean and they are moderately matched. AA pearls are the top 10% of pearls produced.

A   Pearls of this grade should have average to low luster. they are near to off round and are about 70-80% clean surface. These are 20% of pearls produced today. They have good to average matching.