Pearl Grading

The pearl industry as whole has not adopted a universally used standard grading system like diamonds yet. Each pearl farm, wholesaler & retailer has their own pearl grading system. General descriptive terms for pearl quality are often the same used to describe anything else: "excellent", "very good", "average" etc.

There are 2 major grading systems are widely practiced by nearly every major pearl retailer in the United States. There are: The AAA-A system & The A-D system (also known as Tahitian system). These are the most accepted systems and considered standard by nearly all reputable pearl dealers.

PearlGarden.net uses the AAA-A system. This is the most commonly and internationally used grading system.

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Grading:

Akoya Pearl Grading: