Judi McCormick

Pearl Categories Explained by CIBJO, The World Jewellry Federation

This is from the recently posted and updated version of the definitive source of pearl information. I will be reposting parts of the report in the interest of furthering your Pearl Education.

The CIBJO pearl classification guide highlights the important parameters by which the appearance of natural pearls from the Akoya complex and cultured pearls from P. maxima can be described and assessed in terms of physical dimensions and actual quality. Further it provides general information on many other varieties of natural and cultured pearls.

What DO We Mean By Power Pearls?

We have seen a lot of Kamala Harris and her Power Pearls, but, actually, there are other Power Pearls all through history.

For the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala India, his considerable stack of pearl necklaces was a clear sign of his power.

The Significance of Pearls in Tiaras

Tiaras. Who doesn't love a good tiara? We have talked a lot about Royal tiaras and tiaras for the wealthy and an essential accessory of the early 20th century, but do you know why pearls have been incorporated into tiaras? Of course, they are a beautiful addition, but there is another reason.

Oyster Shells-How They Are Used After Pearls Are Harvested

There is much knowledge of eating wonderful oyster muscles and, of course, we all know about the pearling button industry before plastic was invented, but there are many other uses for these absolutely beautiful shells. Some might amaze you.

Yes. There were Pearl Discoveries in Vermont, too.

Really? Yes, there was a "great pearl rush" in Vermont. An observant friend, Kimet Hand, spotted an article in the Rutland Herald by Paul Heller about the pearls found in Vermont.

Rikitea Pearls

To tantalize you, Rikitea pearls are some of the most sought after for their exceptional luster and color. The best have an intense peacock color overtone.

Last Episode of Confusions on Pearl Grading-South Sea Pearls

South Sea Pearls are the rarest and most pricey of the pearl varieties. They have a soft silky luster because of the large aragonite layers. White South Sea Pearl Necklaces range in price from $10,000. to $300,000 and up

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.

South Sea Pearls have their own system of grading that is much the same as Tahitian Pearls. Traditionally, South Sea Pearls are graded in an ABC range which is equivalent to the AAA+ to A+ in Freshwater and Akoya Pearls grading. This is where a lot of the confusion starts.

Confusions in Pearl Grading-Tahitian Pearls

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 s withand all are devised by each company themselves. There is just no standardized or universal grading system.

Tahitian Pearls have their own system of grading.

The Confusion of Pearl Grading- Akoya Pearls

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 saltwater Akoya Pearls.

The Confusion of Pearl Grading-Freshwater Pearls

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.

Tokki Pearls

Tokki is a Japanese term to describe a protrusion or bump. Occasionally, oysters will produce a pearl with curious shapes. These are the result of an accident during growth. Oysters definitely have a mind of their own.

Pearl Harvest and Grading

After the pearls are harvested from their oyster home, they are brought back to the main area for cleaning and grading.

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Judi McCormick

Pearl Categories Explained by CIBJO, The World Jewellry Federation

What DO We Mean By Power Pearls?

The Significance of Pearls in Tiaras

Oyster Shells-How They Are Used After Pearls Are Harvested

Yes. There were Pearl Discoveries in Vermont, too.

Rikitea Pearls

Last Episode of Confusions on Pearl Grading-South Sea Pearls

Confusions in Pearl Grading-Tahitian Pearls

The Confusion of Pearl Grading- Akoya Pearls

The Confusion of Pearl Grading-Freshwater Pearls

Tokki Pearls

Pearl Harvest and Grading