Pearl Klassifizierung uses an industry-consensus AAA-AA-A scale (mit no global standardization body, unlike GIA for Diamanten). Here is what jede Qualitätsstufe actually means visually und what you should pay.

The four Klassifizierung axes

Pearl grades evaluate four traits:

• Oberfläche — percentage der pearl free aus blemishes, pits, cracks, or wrinkles
• Luster — how sharply the pearl reflects light (Spiegel = best)
• Form — how close to perfectly round (round > near-round > drop > baroque)
• Farbe uniformity — for abgestimmt Strang, how consistent the overtone is aus end to end

AAA Qualitätsstufe specifications

• Oberfläche: 95%+ sauber (5% or less aus pearl shows minor imperfections)
• Luster: Spiegel — you can see your reflection clearly in the pearl
• Form: round to near-round (within 2% deviation aus perfect sphere)
• Farbe uniformity: in Strang, all pearls match within strict overtone tolerance
• Approximate Ernte yield: ~5% aus all Zuchtperlen reach AAA
• Premium over AA: typically 50-150% higher price

AA Qualitätsstufe specifications

• Oberfläche: 85% sauber (15% or less shows imperfections)
• Luster: high — clear und bright but not Spiegel
• Form: near-round akzeptabel (within 5% deviation)
• Farbe uniformity: minor variation akzeptabel
• Approximate Ernte yield: ~30% aus Zuchtperlen

Side-by-side comparison

Trait	AAA	AA
Oberfläche sauber	95%+	85%
Luster	Spiegel reflection	High but not Spiegel
Form	rund to near-round (≤2% deviation)	Near-round (≤5%)
Ernte %	~5%	~30%
Price (12mm Südsee)	500–1,200 USD	200–500 USD

How to tell grades apart visually

The luster test: hold the pearl 6 Zoll aus a window. Look for sharpness aus reflection. AAA shows a clear, sharp window outline. AA shows a softer outline. A Qualitätsstufe pearls show a fuzzy or blurred reflection.

The Oberfläche test: rotate the pearl slowly. AAA pearls reveal no obvious imperfections at conversational distance. AA pearls show 1-2 minor Oberfläche marks under careful inspection.

Should you always buy AAA?

Not necessarily. Trade-offs:

• For Statement single-pearl Schmuck (pendants, earring centers, Ring centers), AAA is worth the Premium because the pearl Ist die focal point.
• For abgestimmt Strang, AAA pricing climbs steeply; AA Strang offer dramatically more pearl-per-dollar at the cost aus slight uniformity variance.
• For loose pearls used in individuell designs where setting hides part der Oberfläche, AA is often the smart choice.

Was about AAAA Qualitätsstufe?

"AAAA" is sometimes used by retailers for the absolute top-tier — Oberfläche 99%+ sauber, perfect Spiegel luster, perfect round, identical color matching. It is not universally recognized; some retailers reserve "AAAA" for marketing reasons. Look for specific quality descriptions (not just letter grades) when comparing high-end pearls.

Our Klassifizierung commitment

Every Stück sold by The Südseeperlen ships mit a certificate documenting the Qualitätsstufe und der four-axis evaluation. We Qualitätsstufe against industry-consensus standards, not inflated retailer scales. Browse loose Tahiti-Perlen · Weiß Südseeperlen.