1. History Facts & Fascination
  2. What makes a Pearl
    1. Types of Pearls
    2. Grades and Quality
    3. Value
  3. South Sea Pearl Cultivation
    1. Hatchery and Spat
    2. Seeding
    3. Harvest
  4. Pearl Inspired Products
    1. Jewellery
    2. Mother of Pearl
  5. Nurturing Your Pearls

Grades & Quality

Unlike diamonds, there is no world standard imposed for grading pearls but they are commonly valued as either ‘sellable’ (based on the 5 grading varieties below) or ‘commercial’ (have value for low cost jewellery).

1. Size – South Sea pearl sizes are the largest and range from 8mm to 20mm, with the majority between 10mm and 15 mm.

2. Shape – From perfect round to romantic drop to modern button. All pearls are individual and unique.

3. Colour – Every pearl reflects colour in a different way.

4. Lustre – The soul of the pearl. This is the deep inner glow that gives the pearl its luminescence.

5. Complexion - Is essentially the pearl’s skin. As pearls are a living gem, the most beautiful and valuable pearls may have slight imperfections. The skin varies from clean to marked or spotted.