UNDERSTANDING THE QUALITY OF TAHITIAN PEARLS: CRITERIA AND CLASSIFICATION
The quality of Tahitian pearls and keshi pearls is based on two criteria visible to the naked eye: surface condition and luster. Five categories are defined:
- Perfect: no imperfections, excellent luster
- A: at least 90% clean surface, minor imperfections possible, very good luster
- B: at least 70% clean surface, some imperfections, good luster
- C: at least 40% acceptable surface, more visible imperfections, low luster
- D: numerous imperfections, low luster
The price also depends on shape and size: round pearls, which are rare (around 5%), as well as larger, high-quality pearls, are the most valuable.
