The World of Pearls

The World of Pearls

Understand, appreciate and choose your pearls

Morphology

Shape Classification

Round
R Round An almost perfect sphere.
Semi-round
SR Semi-round Diameter variation between 5 and 10%.
Pear-shaped
P Pear-shaped An axis of symmetry — for pendants and earrings.
Oval
OV Oval A pearl with an axis of symmetry.
Button
BU Button Round when viewed from above.
Baroque
B Baroque Highly irregular.
Circled
C Circled One or more concentric circles.

Assessment

Surface Quality

Quality is assessed through two physical characteristics: surface condition and lustre. Surface condition is characterised by imperfections visible on the outside of the pearl, such as scratches, pits, bumps and blisters.

Surface condition

A
A

90% of the surface is free of imperfections.

B
B

70% of the surface is free of imperfections.

C
C

40% of the surface is free of imperfections.

D
D

Imperfections across the entire surface.

Lustre

A
A

Excellent lustre.

B
B

Good lustre.

C
C

Moderate lustre.

D
D

Poor lustre.

Porchet

Our Classification

CAT A

A surface with no imperfections, or one or two imperfections confined to 10% of the pearl.Excellent lustre.

CAT B

70% of the surface is free of imperfections; good lustre.No visible flaws once mounted.

CAT C

40% of the surface is free of imperfections; good lustre.Few visible flaws once mounted, with a clean face.

CAT D

Imperfections across the entire surface; moderate lustre.A pearl without lustre, even if flawless, will be classified as C or D.