STANDARDS VALUE OF LOOSE SOUTH SEA PEARLS

STANDARDS OF VALUE

There is no international standard or uniform grading system to determine the value of pearls, nor is it surprising that this is the case. Unlike other precious gems, pearls are not the same; each pearl demonstrates unique characteristics that result in a huge variation in their apperance.

There are five characteristics based on which pearls are widely graded, with their overall value based upon the desirability of the pearl in each of these categories: shape, size, colour, surface and lustre.