The highest pearl quality is generally considered AAA (or AAAA/AAAAA in some systems), signifying near-flawless surfaces, exceptional luster (sharp, mirror-like reflections), perfect roundness, and uniform color, with rarer categories like Hanadama for Akoya pearls representing the pinnacle. Different pearl types (Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian) have specific grading scales, but the core qualities remain consistent: luster, surface perfection, shape, and color.
South Sea pearls, grown in Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, are prized for their large sizes and glowing, satiny luster, often fetching premium prices. These pearls are considered the pinnacle of sophistication and elegance in the pearl world, and are known as the "Queen of Cultured Pearls".
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The best pearls in Australia are the highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls, cultured from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters of Northern Western Australia, known for their large size, thickest nacre, and exceptional lustre, with top producers including Paspaley, Kailis, and Pearls of Australia, offering exquisite white, cream, and golden hues.
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.
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.
Our Australian South Sea pearls are among the finest quality pearls grown in the world. Beyond their stunning beauty and rarity, these pearls play a vital role in restoring and maintaining the health of our pristine Australian marine environment.
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 shape of the pearl is one of several factors which goes into determining its quality and, therefore, its value. In general, round and near-round pearls are the most valuable due to their rarity. Symmetrical shapes are generally considered to be more desirable than baroque shapes.
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.
If you're shopping for a first pearl necklace or timeless gift, we recommend an Akoya pearl strand for its unmatched luster and round beauty. For everyday wear or a more affordable gift, opt for high-grade Freshwater pearls — they offer fantastic value with plenty of style.
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” isn't a specific type of pearl, it's a brand name. The jewelry house creates stunning pearl jewelry using all pearl types, but specializes in the sublime and lustrous Japanese Akoya pearl.
At Costco, we take pride in the fact that our pearl jewelry meets the industry's highest quality standards. Our process ensures our pearls have good luster, shape, color and no obvious blemishes, and that the size of the pearls match where applicable.
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.
Can you wear pearls every day? Pearls are one of the most versatile types of jewelry. With their subtle luster and timeless aesthetic, they offer easy everyday elegance. Make a statement by combining pearls with mixed metals and high-impact hardware to add a touch of punk rebellion to your day-to-day looks.
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.
Australian South Sea Pearls are undoubtedly some of the rarest and most beautiful pearls in the world. These pearls achieve crème-de-la-crème status thanks to their unmatched luster, thick nacre, rich color variety, and size.
The type of pearl significantly impacts its price. South Sea and Tahitian pearl are the most expensive since they are rare and of great grade. Akoya pearl, known for their perfect round shape and outstanding beauty, are next. Freshwater pearl are the cheapest since they are wide in variety.