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When purchasing South Sea pearls at their source in Australia, South Sea Pearls are graded by a scale ranging from A to D. To keep our grading scale similar between different types of pearls, we've graded our South Sea pearls by the more familiar and internationally recognized grading scale, which ranges from a high of AAA to a low of A. Below is a conversion chart for these two grading scales. When buying South Sea pearls, it is important to know your grading scale and to only buy South Sea pearls which are clearly graded.
Following are the standard South Sea letter grading definitions:
South Sea
Farm Grade |
Pearl
Outlet
Grade |
Description |
| A |
AAA |
This is the highest grade of South Sea pearl available. It is defined as a perfectly round pearl with excellent luster, no visible surface defects, and excellent matching.
|
| A/B |
AA+ |
Perfectly Round; Excellent Luster; Very Light to no Blemishing; Very High Reflection; Excellent Matching |
| B |
AA |
Round/Near round; Good Luster; Light Blemishing; Good Reflection; Good Matching |
| C |
A |
Near round; Moderate Luster, Moderate Blemishing; Moderate Matching
|
| D |
Not Sold
Here |
A pearl with average to poor luster with visible defects covering more than 2/3 of the surface of the pearl. |
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