Let me preface by saying the there is only one true international grading system. That is derived from the Mikimoto grading system which is basically AAA, AA+, AA, A, B and C. The Mikimoto (Hanadama or Flower Pearls) are a notch above the AAA (95% blemish free) only because of their almost 100% blemish free and they are known for their very deep and rare “Orient”. They must be sold with it’s a specific numbered certificate from the Pearl Science Laboratory of Japan. There is now an equivalent to the Hanadama pearl quality which is the Freshwater “Orient” which is simply named for the deep and rare “Orient” associated with these pearls. These pearls come from .01% or 1/10,000 of the annual pearl harvest.

THE GRADE OF THE PEARL DICTATES THE VALUE OF THE PEARL!

Now for those of you that have witnessed other grading systems like “Collectors Quality”, “Gem Quality”, “AAAA”, AAA+ or no mention of grades at all be very wary of purchasing from such dealers. Most storefront retailers for example do not understand grading systems in the Pearl industry as they are very busy selling everything from Diamonds to Watches. They simply understand that pearls are cultured and are round. Sounds silly but that is true as you only have to visit a couple of them to confirm the level of knowledge that they have with these natural gems.

Grading is based on 1) the pearl Shape 2) the amount of blemishes on the surface and most importantly 3) the Luster of the pearl. One inferior category can easily drop the pearl rating from say AAA to AA. For instance if a pearl is round and is rated at AAA and the Luster is also extreme and rated as AAA, however the body surface is under 95% blemish free then the overall rating will be somewhat less that AAA. Maybe to a AA+, or a AA or even lower.