The classification of Tahitian pearls.
The most important and first thing you must understand about pearl grading is that, unlike diamonds, there is no standardized system. Each brand or company creates its own subjective system. Therefore, you should not consider it when comparing pearls from different companies.
The system described below refers to the surface of the pearls and their luster. Tahitian pearls can be found in a wide range of dark colors, which are accurately described on the details page of each product.
The value of Tahitian pearls depends greatly on color and luster, which is why we photograph each necklace individually.
SY Signature
The Tahiti pearls we categorize as SY Signature are exceptional pearls.
- Flawless surface, the pearls show no imperfections or inclusions before being drilled and mounted.
- Excellent luster.
AAA
- Clean surface on 90% of the pearl.
- Only 10% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
- Only one deep inclusion is allowed.
- The mounted pearl must have an almost clean surface.
- The luster is very high.
AA+
- Clean surface on 80% of the pearl.
- Only 20% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
- Only one deep inclusion is allowed.
- The mounted pearl must have a fairly clean surface.
- The luster is very high.
AA
- Clean surface on 70% of the pearl.
- Only 30% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
- Only one or two deep inclusions are allowed.
- The mounted pearl must have a fairly clean surface.
- The luster is between high and very high.
A+
- Clean surface on 40% of the pearl.
- Up to 60% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
- Deep inclusions are limited to 10% of the pearl.
- The luster is between medium and high.
A
- 60% of the pearl shows imperfections.
- Deep inclusions and white spots on a maximum of 20% of the pearl.
- The luster ranges from low to fairly high.
Tahitian pearls that do not meet the minimum A grade classification or that do not have nacre of at least 0.8 mm thickness do not pass the mandatory examination carried out by the “Ministere de la Perliculture de Tahiti” and therefore cannot be exported and are destroyed.