Pearl Grading Guide & Quality Comparison Chart
Seven factors to compare
Use the factors together. A seller letter grade is not a universal cross-seller ladder.
Written by: AKWAYA Pearl Jewelry Team
Reviewed by: AKWAYA for consistency with current product terminology and published product specifications
Updated:
This guide provides general pearl education. For a specific item, use the product page’s listed specifications and selected variant. Learn about our editorial approach.
How pearl grading works
Pearl quality is best understood by looking at several visible attributes together rather than relying on a letter grade alone. Terms such as AAA or AAAA are used by many pearl sellers, but the exact thresholds are not one universal cross-seller ladder. GIA’s published pearl classification framework instead describes seven value factors: size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre and matching.
For AKWAYA’s published type-specific thresholds, inspection process and minimum-gate rules, see the AKWAYA Pearl Grading Methodology v1.0. For a consumer-focused explanation of retail letter grades, see AAA and AAAA Pearl Grades Explained.
Pearl grading chart: what each quality factor tells you
Use this chart to compare disclosed attributes. It is a checklist, not a conversion between different sellers’ letter grades.
| Factor | What to compare | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Luster | Compare reflection brightness and sharpness. | Compare within the pearl type. |
| Surface | Read blemish amount and visibility. | Photos may not show every mark. |
| Shape | Check the stated shape. | Roundness is separate from size. |
| Size | Compare the diameter range in millimeters. | A larger pearl is not a complete grade. |
| Color | Check color and disclosed treatment. | Color preference is not a quality score. |
| Nacre | Look for stated measurements or reports. | Do not infer thickness from a letter grade. |
| Matching | Compare pearls across a pair or strand. | A single pendant has no strand to match. |
Does the same AAA grade mean the same pearl size?
No. Compare these 6.5–7mm AAA white Akoya studs with these 7.5–8mm AAA white Akoya studs. Both current listings state AAA, high luster and clean surfaces, but their pearl-size ranges differ. Check the actual metal and earring backs as well. AAA is AKWAYA’s seller grade, not a laboratory report.
For a type-specific buying process, continue with the Akoya buying guide or the Freshwater buying guide.
The attributes that matter most
Luster
Luster describes the brightness and sharpness of reflections from a pearl's surface. Stronger, sharper reflections generally indicate stronger luster. Learn more in our Pearl Luster Guide.
Surface quality
Cultured pearls are organic gem materials, so surface characteristics are normal. Compare the amount, visibility and placement of blemishes rather than expecting every pearl to be completely flawless. See Pearl Surface Blemishes.
Shape
Pearls can be round, near-round, oval, drop, button, baroque and other shapes. Shape affects appearance and can affect value, but the best choice also depends on design and preference. See Pearl Shape.
Matching
For necklaces, bracelets and matched pairs, consistency of size, color, shape and luster contributes to the overall look. Learn more in Pearl Matching and Uniformity.
Size, color, nacre and treatment
Pearl size is measured in millimeters. Color includes body color and, when visible, overtone. Nacre is another quality factor in pearl classification. Some pearls may also receive disclosed treatments that create or modify color or appearance; check the individual product description for item-specific details.
How to use a grade when shopping
When an AKWAYA product lists a grade such as AAA, read that grade together with the product's specific attributes. Two products with the same letter grade can still differ in pearl type, size, color, design, metal, matching and other characteristics. For a broader overview, visit our Pearl Buying Guide and Pearl Size Guide.
Compare pearl types before comparing grades
A letter grade should not be used to collapse different pearl families into one scale. Compare Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian and South Sea cultured pearls by their own characteristics first.
If you have a question about the grade or attributes of a specific item, contact AKWAYA with the product link or SKU so we can compare it against the current listing.
Sources and references
How these sources are used: GIA is cited for the seven pearl value factors and gemological quality terminology; CIBJO is cited for pearl nomenclature and classification standards; and FTC guidance is cited for U.S. marketing and disclosure terminology. None of these sources defines AKWAYA's seller-specific AAA, AAA+ or AAAA thresholds.
- GIA — Pearl Classification: The GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors
- GIA — Pearl Quality Factors
- CIBJO — Guide for Classifying Natural Pearls and Cultured Pearls
- CIBJO — Pearl Blue Book (2024)
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Jewelry Guides
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Pearl advertising and disclosure guidance
See Grading Factors on Real Product Listings
These representative listings show how AKWAYA presents a listed grade together with pearl type, size, luster, surface, matching and jewelry construction:
- AA Akoya Pearl Necklace
- AAA Freshwater Pearl Pendant
- AAA Tahitian Pearl Necklace
- AAAA Golden South Sea Pearl Set
For retail letter-grade context, see AAA and AAAA Pearl Grades Explained.
Related Pearl Identification Questions
Before comparing quality grades, make sure the terminology is clear: cultured pearls are real pearls, and home authenticity checks have limits.