There's no gemstone quite like the pearl. Treasured throughout the ages, pearls are now more available than ever before. At Elite Jewels, we offer stunning cultured and freshwater pearls. Upon special request, we may also supply Akoya and Tahitian pearls.
Pearl grades are determined by shape and color. How much pearl education do you have? Below is detailed information about pearl grades.
INFORMATION ABOUT PEARL SHAPE
There are many shapes to choose from, and we offer only pearl grades of the highest quality to our customers. Pearl shapes are designated into round, off round, teardrop and oval. Cultured Pearls are usually rounder than freshwater pearls and are therefore more expensive.
COLOR AFFECTS PEARL GRADES
Color, both body and overtone, are also important to pearl grades. Very white pearls with a rose overtone are considered rare and more expensive. Although there are certain colors that command higher prices, beauty is subjective to pearl quality. Higher pearl grades are given to pearls that are from blemishes such as pits, spots or cracks. If a pearl has clear skin, the pearl quality is higher. The classic pearl colors are white, black, pink or yellow.
In addition to pearl quality, pearl grades, and size, value is also based on availability. Saltwater cultured pearls usually command higher prices and are assigned higher pearl grades than freshwater cultured pearls. One of the main reasons for higher pearl grades is that a saltwater oyster can produce only one or two sizeable pearls at a time, while a single freshwater mussel can produce up to 50 pearls at a time. Fine natural pearls command the highest prices, at least 10 times their cultured counterparts because of their pearl quality.
General Pearl Information
Natural and cultured pearls are commonly bleached to achieve uniform color to improve their pearl quality and pearl grade. Some pearls are also dyed and/or irradiated to produce rich black, gray, blue, rose and golden hues. Chemicals and heat treatments are sometimes applied to create gray or black pearls.
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