An A-grade pearl is generally considered a commercial or basic quality pearl, representing the lower end of the grading scale (A-D), with noticeable surface blemishes, less luster, and more irregular shapes, suitable for everyday jewelry, unlike higher grades like AA or AAA which have near-flawless surfaces and exceptional luster. However, grading isn't universal; some sellers use A as the highest (in A-D) while others use it as the lowest (in AAA-A), so checking the specific company's chart is crucial.
The AAA-A System
This grading system ranks pearls from AAA to A, with AAA being the highest. A: Lower luster and defects on more than 25 percent of the surface.
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.
Pearls are one of nature's most distinctive and colorful gems. They come from oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds, and each one is unique. We'll help you learn about different types of pearls—including South Sea, Tahitian, Freshwater, and Akoya—and how they are graded.
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.
Natural Black pearls (uncultivated) are extremely rare and are found in about 1 in every 10,000 oysters. In an effort to preserve the species, it is illegal to dive to find natural pearls.
AAA Pearls – Very high quality with sharp luster, nearly round shapes, and minimal surface blemishes (around 5–10% of the surface may show small imperfections).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jackie Kennedy style: 3 rows of 10mm white simulated pearls with an art deco-inspired clasp. Approximately 17" in length. Barbara Bush styles: 3 rows of 12mm cultura glass pearls. Approximately 16.5" in length.
Luster is what gives a natural or cultured pearl its unique beauty.
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.
Wearing your favorite pearl jewelry everyday may mean that it needs to be cleaned from time to time. You can use a very mild, unscented soap and microfiber cloth to gently polish it by hand. Once you're finished, be sure to dry the pearl thoroughly.
For those seeking investment-grade pearls, Akoya and South Sea pearls hold their value over time.
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.
A: AAA is a grade in the pearl grading system that indicates a pearl of the highest quality. It implies that the pearl has excellent luster, surface quality, and shape, making it suitable for use in fine jewelry.
Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.
Fans of cultured pearls take pride in the fact that the oysters are bred in cruelty free environments on pearl farms. However, PETA disagrees because of the process which requires pearl farmers to surgically open oyster shells. They then manually insert some form of irritant inside.
Matthew 13:45-46 The Message (MSG)
“Or, God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for exquisite pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
The rarest pearl colors are natural blue and golden yellow, followed by strong pink, lavender, and true deep black, primarily from specific natural conditions or rare oysters like the Queen Conch (for pink) or Tahitian black-lip oysters, making them incredibly scarce compared to common white or dyed pearls.