Tahitian Pearl Quality Guide

Two major grading systems are in fairly widespread use: the TOP-AAA-A Grading System
and the A-D Grading System - also called the Tahitian grading system. These are the most
universally accepted standardized systems, and are used by nearly all reputable retail and
wholesale pearl dealers. How ever the AAA-A grading is more widely used in jewelry.

The A-D Pearl Grading System

 

A-D Grade	AAA-A Grade	Surface Flaws	Surface Luster	Imperfections
TOP	TOP Gem	virtually flawless	very very high	none
A+	AAA1	virtually flawless	very high	one very slight
A	AAA2	virtually flawless	high	one or two very slight
B+	AAA	virtually flawless	very high	one slight
B	AA1		high	one or two slight
C+	AA2		high	more than one
C	AA		low	more than one
D	A		no luster