Pearl Grading Standards

OUR PEARL GRADING STANDARDS

At Seraphearls, every pearl is assessed through a comprehensive, multi-factor evaluation process.

We do not rely on vague A-AAAA systems. Instead, we follow transparent standards informed by international pearl trade practices and gemmological principles.

Each pearl is graded holistically, meaning no single criterion alone determines its final classification. Overall beauty, structural integrity, and visual harmony are considered together.

Our Professional Grading Standards

Grade	Definition
Gem	Reserved for pearls of exceptional presence and refinement. Defined by outstanding lustre and nacre quality, with possible strengths in roundness or surface clarity. Minor natural characteristics may be present but never compromise visual excellence. A mark of rarity - not perfection.
Fine	Pearls with strong lustre, well-developed nacre, and good surface quality. These pearls offer excellent aesthetic value and durability while allowing for minor natural features consistent with their organic origin.
Good	Pearls that meet structural and quality standards but may display more visible natural features, softer lustre, or moderate surface characteristics. These pearls remain suitable for fine jewellery while reflecting a more accessible grade.

Lustre

Grades: EXCELLENT / VERY GOOD / GOOD / FAIR / POOR

Lustre refers to the sharpness and intensity of light reflected from the pearl’s surface. It is the most critical visual factor in assessing pearl beauty.

Excellent - Sharp, mirror-like reflections with high contrast and clarity
Very Good - Bright and clear reflections, slightly softer edges
Good - Noticeable glow with moderate sharpness
Fair / Poor - Dull, flat, or chalky appearance (not selected by Seraphearls)

Surface

Grades: CLEAN / VERY LIGHTLY BLEMISHED / LIGHTLY BLEMISHED / MODERATELY BLEMISHED / HEAVILY BLEMISHED

Pearls are organic gems and naturally exhibit surface characteristics such as pinpoints, pits, growth lines, or minor irregularities.

Clean - No visible blemishes; extremely rare
Very Lightly Blemished - 1 or 2 minimal marks visible under close inspection
Lightly Blemished - Minor natural marks not noticeable when worn
Moderately Blemished - Visible natural features with maintained visual appeal
Heavily Blemished - Prominent flaws affecting appearance (not selected)

Nacre

Grades: EXCELLENT / VERY GOOD / GOOD / POOR

Nacre consists of layered aragonite crystals deposited around the nucleus. It determines both glow depth and long-term durability. Assessment considers both thickness and consistency of deposition.

Excellent - Thick, evenly layered nacre with deep internal glow
Very Good - Strong nacre structure with slightly reduced depth
Good - Structurally sound but thinner or less uniform nacre
Poor - Thin nacre, visible nucleus, or unstable structure (not selected)

Nacre consistency is as important as thickness. Certain internal surface textures - sometimes referred to in trade as “hammer marks” or subtle structural variations - may influence grading.

Shape & Size

We offer a carefully selected range of natural shapes, each with its own beauty and character:

Round - Perfectly spherical; rare and highly prized
Near-round - Almost round; visually balanced
Semi-round / High-button - Slightly flattened but elegant
Drop / Teardrop - Ideal for pendants and earrings
Baroque - Irregular, unique organic forms

Roundness contributes to value but does not solely determine grade. A pearl of exceptional lustre and nacre may still achieve a high classification even if not perfectly spherical.

Most Seraphearls pearls are selected within refined size ranges that balance elegance and presence. Exceptional larger pearls are considered collector-grade due to their rarity and natural scarcity.

Pearl Origin & Traceability

Our pearls are sourced from trusted farms in Australia and Indonesia through transparent supply chains.

Certain Australian pearls may include farm-origin documentation issued by the producing farm. While not all pearls carry individual farm certificates, all are responsibly and directly sourced from farms we know and trust.