Pearl Quality
Because pearls are naturally occurring organic gemstones, created by living creatures, the factors that impact quality and value vary widely. The value of a pearl is measured by several factors.
 These factors include:
Pearl Type
Nacre
Luster
Surface
Shape
Color
Size
Pearl Type
The type of pearl is the most basic factor to consider. The common varieties of cultured pearls include freshwater pearls, and saltwater akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls. Each type of pearl is created by a different species of oyster, living in a different area of the world, under a variety of climatic conditions.
South Sea and Tahitian pearls are generally larger than akoya and freshwater pearls, and each type tends to have its own distinctive range of colors.
Learn About Pearl Types
Nacre
Nacre is the organic substance, secreted by the mollusk, from which the pearl is formed. Color and luster are actually characteristics of the nacre itself. Usually the thicker the nacre is the more valuable the pearl.
Luster
A pearl's luster is a measure of its brilliance and reflectivity. High-quality pearls are bright and shiny - you should be able to see your reflection in them. Lower-quality pearls have a more chalky or dull appearance. In general, saltwater pearls have a greater luster than freshwater pearls.
Surface
The surface appearance of a pearl is a critical characteristic. Pearls should be smooth and shiny, without bumps, lines, spots, or discolorations. The surface should be shiny and reflective not dull and chalky.
Shape
The shape of a pearl is where "value" and personal taste may differ. Perfectly round pearls are extremely rare, and therefore very expensive. Pearls come in a wide variety of interesting and unique shapes.
Some examples include:
Round - perfectly spherical
Near or Semi Round - slightly flattened or elongated
Button - slightly flattened into a disk-like "button" shape
Pear - elongated teardrop-shaped
Drop - teardrop shaped
Oval - egg-shaped
Baroque abstract and asymmetrical
Ringed concentric indentations or rings
Color
Pearl color ranges across almost the entire spectrum from white to black. Naturally occurring colors include silver, cream, champagne, green, and blue. A pearl's reflective overtones are different from its basic color. This reflectivity gives pearls in the same color category, a variety of looks and hues. Although some colors less common than others, and therefore more expensive, color is another area where value and personal taste may vary.
Size
The size of pearls is measured in millimeters. Pearls today range in size from less than 1mm (seed pearls) to 14mm or larger. The average size of pearls on the market today, range in size from 6.5mm to 8mm. The size of a pearl directly impacts its quality and price. Larger pearls are generally more expensive.
Other factors come into play when evaluating a pearls quality and value. Natural pearls are the most valuable, but most pearls on the market today are treated in some way or another. Some treatments do not impact the value of pearls while others do.
Learn About Pearl Treatments
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