Why Certification Alone Is Not Always Enough to Determine Pearl Pricing
Unlike diamond grading, there is no standardized grading system for pearls. Each pearl company applies their own subjective and unique approach to grading pearls. There are companies which sell pearls with certificates issued in Japan but it is essential to understand that every strand of pearls to is unique, as no two pearls are alike. In addition, “Hanadama Certificate” is not an official grade.
What Is Certificate of Pearls? Really Necessary?
All Pearls are evaluated by humans’ eyes not computers
Some certificates say Hanadama or other grading. But all pearls are evaluated by humans’ eyes and especially the luster, the most important value of pearls can not be captured by computers. Each company has their own grading system of AAA, AA, A+ and A, but it can’t be internationalized criteria like diamonds.
Indeed one company’s AAA pearls may have Hanadama Certificate. Still, AA and A+ pearls may be able to also have the same. We do not deny the certificate system but note that pearl necklaces with any certificates are divided into different grades.
One important thing to note is that there is a range of qualities. So it is inaccurate to say that a particular pearl with certificate is more valuable or a top-quality pearl and it does not justify the price.
We at Pearl FALCO highly recommend discussing your concerns with a trustworthy pearl jewellery seller who can help show you what makes a pearl valuable.
For each of our exquisite products, we meticulously assign a unique tracing number to maintain comprehensive records of our pearl jewelry. This tracing number allows us to precisely trace back key details such as the manufacturing date, specific design specifications, and the quality grade of pearls utilized in the creation of each piece. We take pride in providing our customers with product cards featuring this distinctive tracing number, offering them a tangible link to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail invested in their jewelry. Additionally, for pearl jewelry exceeding a value of $1,500, we proudly issue an in-house certificate, further attesting to the exceptional quality and value of these high-end pieces.
The 7 Main Factors to Determine a Pearl’s Value
Lustre. A highly valued factor, lustre refers to the glowing appearance of a pearl or its ability to reflect light. Lustre is defined by intensity and sharpness. A pearl with a very high lustre has an almost mirror-like appearance.
Colour. This factor combines body colour, orientation (rainbow colour), and overtone. The body colour of the pearl is determined by hue, tone, and saturation. Orientation is the combination of colours glistening just below the surface of the pearl. Overtone is a layer of translucent colour that appears to float over the pearl’s body colour.
The key to distinguishing the highest quality pearls is the interference color. In pearls, the interference color is described as, ‘green color floating in pink,’ similar to the iridescence of a soap bubble. Another well-tested determination method is to check to see how well you can see yourself reflected on the surface of your pearls, as if you are looking into a mirror.
Nacre Thickness. It is the nacre that makes a pearl a pearl, and nacre thickness is a critical aspect of the pearl. Nacre is secreted to cover the irritant finds its way into the oyster. The nacre coating takes years to accumulate. Fine pearls have a longer maturation time and develop with thicker nacre. But we can’t say that longer cultivation always acheive thicker nacre since it still depends on the nature and the mother oysters.
Shape. Perfectly round pearls were always considered the finest and will be the most expensive due to their rarity. These days in some places, however, other shapes, such as baroque, are also in high demand and if baroque pearls have higher luster and deeper color tones than round pearls, baroque pearls have higher value.
Surface Quality. The fewer visible spots or blemishes, the greater the value. When considering imperfections, the number, size, location, visibility, and surface type all play a role in determining the grade. Too many blemishes take away from the beauty of the pearl by adversely affecting the lustre, making the pearls not as pretty as they would otherwise be.
Size. All other factors being equal, a larger pearl will be valued higher than a smaller pearl. Cultured pearls are measured in millimetres. Pearls’ value will increase exponentially with pearl size. Especially for Japanese Akoya pearls, mother oysters are relatively small in size, roughly the size of a small child’s hand. The larger the Akoya pearls are, the greater the rarity and the higher their value. In the case of Akoya pearls, less than 1/3 of cultivated pearls can be used for jewelry.
Matching Uniformity. Pearls in a strand or Earring pairs or designed jewellery with many pearls must have uniformity and consistency based on the other six factors to match each other appropriately. Throughout the years, our pearls match those that preceded them, ensuring a perfectly consistent and beautiful strand of pearls or pearl jewellery. Among all the abovementioned seven criteria, lustre is arguably the most critical aspect of a pearl’s value, beating out surface quality, shape, size and colour by a mile. A pearl must have a good lustre to be worth more.
Pearl FALCO is dedicated to sharing our extensive knowledge and experience with luxury handmade Akoya Pearl Jewellery to allow our customers to make highly informed purchasing decisions. The following is meant to serve as a guidebook. If something has not been covered, and/or if you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly via Pearl FALCO WhatsApp.
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