| Here we describe a grading system based on the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) Pearl Grading System. This grading system rates pearls based on six characteristics. Once you understand how to judge pearls based on these grading categories, you will be able to link pearl quality to market value. (More pearl terms can be found here: Pearl Dictionary.)
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| LUSTER
BODYCOLOR
SHAPE
OVERTONE
Questions?
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| LUSTER
Luster is the quantity and quality of light reflected from the surface of a pearl. High luster pearls also have a deep seated glow. The luster 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 very high luster pearl. Reflected images of overhead lights are crisp and distinct in higher luster pearls while they are smudgy and washed-out in the dull ones. Higher luster pearls are most valuable.
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| BODYCOLOR
Bodycolor is the basic color of a pearl. Tbe most common bodycolors are white and cream. White and pink command the highest value.
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| BODYCOLOR
Bodycolor is the basic color of a pearl. Tbe most common bodycolors are white and cream. White and pink command the highest value.
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| SHAPE
Shape is important in judging pearls. The rounder a pearl is, the higher its value. Baroque pearls have irregular, distorted shapes.
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| OVERTONE
Overtone(s) are the colors that overlie the bodycolor. Pearls with ros?or silver overtones have the highest value.
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