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Quality
Two criteria define pearl quality:
Luster quality:
Definition: “The natural shine of a light-reflecting object".
This involves the quality of light reflection from the pearl’s
surface.
Luster is a product of the successive layers of Aragonite on the
surface of the nucleus, which refract the rays of light that pass
through them. The thicker and more frequent, more even the layering,
the more brilliant the luster.
A pearl can be high gloss (type A) with a bright, sharp reflection,
or soft or dull (type B) denoting fuzzy or little reflective quality.Luster
is the first thing that catches our eye. Luster Quality is the recognized
term to describe this.
Surface quality:
Definition: “The external part of an object" The next
task is to look for flaws, - "pits" or "scratches"
on the pearl’s surface.
There are several classifications of Surface
Quality:
A Quality: ‘A’ quality pearls have a totally
smooth surface, with just a few very small imperfections confined
to less than 10% of its surface area.
’AA’ quality, in professionals’ terms, is the
combination of ‘A’ surface quality and ‘A’
quality luster.
Obviously, you can have pearls of ‘A’ surface quality
but only type ‘B’ quality luster.
B Quality: ‘B’ quality pearls show imperfections
over 10 to 30% of the pearl’s total surface area, or roughly
1/3 of the area. The luster type will decide the pearl’s final
value, this criteria being the more important element in price valuation.
This class of quality is mostly used in the making of rings and
earrings, where imperfections can be easily hidden.
C Quality: ‘C’ quality pearls demonstrate
flaws distributed over not more than 2/3 of the total pearl surface
area. This quality makes up about half of the average lot. However,
by setting these pearls in necklaces, it can be possible to hide
around a third of the imperfections with careful drilling. At the
same time, using undrilled pearls in necklaces brings an authentic
touch to the quality of the product. Finishing touches simply add
to the delight of the customer. Luster type will always be taken
into account when deciding the final price.
D Quality: ‘D’ quality pearls have
imperfections distributed over more than 2/3 of the total surface
area. Pearls with serious flaws distributed over less than half
of the pearl surface area are also put into this classification.
As with ‘C’ quality pearls, careful drilling will greatly
help with the saleability of these pearls in the eyes of most customers.
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