Like the
diamond, with which it forms a fascinating
couple, the Tahitian cultured pearl has
been the subject of an internationally
acknowledged official classification.
This classification is your best guarantee
in choosing a pearl.
Important : The quality of a pearl can be
judged by naked eye inspection of its surface and
lustre. The lustre of a good quality pearl should
be bright and not dull. You should be able to see
your own reflection clearly on the surface of a
pearl.
==> Quality A: A pearl showing no
surface defects or small defects confined to less
than 10% of its surface.
Very good lustre.
==> Quality B: Pearl showing defects
distributed over less than one third (1/3) of its
surface.
Good or average lustre.
==> Quality C: A pearl showing defects
distributed over less than two thirds (2/3) of its
surface.
Average lustre.
==> Quality D: A pearl showing many
very visible defects over more than two thirds
(2/3) of its surface.
Poor lustre.
The value of a pearl depends of its quality
(surface status and lustre) but also of the three
following criteria : shape, size and colour.
==> Round Pearl Perfectly round pearls
are the most scarce and valued.
==> Semi-Round Pearl Semi-round pearls
are slightly imperfect spheres whose diameter
variation rate is greater than 2% but less than
5%.
==> Semi-Baroque Pearl
Semi-baroque pearls are subdivided into: drop,
oval and button.
==> Baroque Pearl
Baroque pearls do not have any axis of rotation.
==> Ringed Pearl
Ringed pearls are characterized by regular rings
over more than one third of their surface. The
ring effect can appear on any shape of pearls.
The average size of a Tahiti cultured pearl varies
between 8 mm and 12 mm. Some very rare pearls can
reach an exceptionnal size of 18 mm or even 20 mm.
Tahiti cultured pearls are rarely black and come
in an array of natural colours.
In fact,
the most expensive pearls are large, round, rare
coloured, free of surface imperfections and highly
lustered.
