C grade pearls are mid-to-lower quality pearls characterized by noticeable surface blemishes (spots, pits, or rings) covering a significant portion of the surface (often 40-60%), medium to fair luster (blurry reflections), and sometimes irregular shapes, though they are still used in fashion jewelry, often dyed or lacquered to enhance appearance. They sit below higher grades (like A, AA, AAA) which have cleaner surfaces and higher luster, and above lower commercial grades (D, F) used for powder or promotional items.
A is the highest grade in this system, with D being the lowest. The A-D system is based on a French Polynesian government standard and sometimes substituted by the AAA-A system in other parts of the world. D: The lowest rating doesn't look at luster but only surface defects.
Unlike diamonds, there is no universal system for grading pearls. Different producers have their own systems in place, however, the grading of pearls is always based on the combination of five virtues: size, shape, colour, complexion and lustre. Lustre is the most important characteristic of pearl quality.
The more lustre=the more layers (you can see a pearl center under iridescent layers) , the higher the grade. The more ``perfect'' in roundness, void of flaws= higher quality. The larger the size and the richer the color=higher quality. The better the individual pearls match each other=higher quality.
The best pearls in Australia are the highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls, known for their large size, thick nacre, and magnificent luster, cultured from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters of Western Australia, with top producers including brands like Kailis Jewellery, Paspaley, Pearls of Australia, and Willie Creek Pearls. These pearls are considered among the finest globally, with some farms also producing unique Akoya and Keshi pearls, offering exceptional quality and environmental benefits.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
A grade of “C” indicates satisfactory progress, achievement at an average level, and meeting grade level expectations. It is valued at 2.00 points in the Grade Point Average.
Unlike diamonds, pearls do not have a global standardized grading system. Therefore, Costco does not list grades on our pearl items. Costco's Graduate Gemologists ensure that our pearls have good luster, shape, minimal blemishes, and are well matched.
The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.
The grade of Tiffany pearls varies from piece to piece. Generally, the celebrated fine jewelry house uses high-quality pearls with an AAA rating or better.
Certified Hanadama Akoya pearls are the finest Akoya pearls available; there is no grade above Hanadama, and there are no “levels” within the Hanadama grade. They are all top-notch. Mikimoto, by contrast, offers four different grades of Akoya pearls, with A being the lowest and AAA being the best.
The most expensive pearl colors are often deep, rich hues like Golden South Sea (especially 24k deep gold), rare Peacock Tahitian (dark green/blue/purple overtones), and intensely pink or pink-overtoned White South Sea pearls, with value heavily depending on rarity, luster, size, and lack of blemishes, rather than just the base color itself. While white and black are common, specific, saturated, and rare overtones within these categories command the highest prices.
Real pearl necklace prices vary dramatically, from under $100 for basic freshwater strands to tens of thousands for high-quality Akoya, Tahitian, or South Sea pearls, with factors like pearl type (Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea), size, luster, shape, and color heavily influencing cost. Expect entry-level freshwater pearls to start around $100-$300, while fine Akoya can range from $800-$2,500+, and premium South Sea pearls can exceed $10,000, notes Pure Pearls.
Mikimoto grades their pearls: A, A+, AA and AAA Quality, which is their highest/best pearl grade. Their AAA Quality Akoya are so rare, and so expensive, that there are only one or two strands produced each year.
For those seeking investment-grade pearls, Akoya and South Sea pearls hold their value over time.
She accessorized with Queen Elizabeth's Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, which Kate frequently wears—most recently during the Qatar State Visit and on Remembrance Sunday.
These factors are surface quality, luster, shape, and the nacre thickness. The grading of Akoya pearls ranges from A to AAA, with AAA being the finest quality. The different grades of pearls are subject to different prices. The highest quality of pearls will naturally cost more.
Freshwater Pearls
Cultivated in freshwater lakes and rivers—mostly in China—these pearls are the most affordable and versatile. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and natural pastel colors such as pink, lavender, and peach.
A+, A, A- indicates excellent performance. B+, B, B- indicates good performance. C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance.
All schools in Australia are required to grade children's academic results on a 5 point scale. In many schools this is represented through A – E grades, with a C grade meaning that the student has learned to complete the skill or task reasonably well in the context of familiar tasks.
People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire). If you're unsure, always get your horoscope checked before wearing a pearl stone.
The last time the choker was publicly seen was when the princess attended the Met Gala in New York in December 1996. It has not been seen or exhibited since, and now belongs to Prince William and Prince Harry.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” - Coco Chanel.