How to Evaluate the Quality and Value of Pearls ？(Professional Guide)

How to Evaluate the Quality and Value of Pearls ？(Professional Guide)

Pearl value is determined by six primary factors commonly used in the international jewelry and wholesale market:

Luster｜Surface｜Shape｜Size｜Color｜Matching

1. Luster – The Most Important Value Indicator

Luster = how sharply the pearl reflects light.
Stronger luster = higher value.

✔ High Luster

  • Mirror-like reflection

  • Sharp and bright light points

  • You can see clear reflections of objects

✘ Low Luster

  • Dull surface

  • Blurry reflections

  • Lack of brilliance

Luster accounts for roughly 35–40% of a pearl’s total value.

2. Surface Quality – Fewer Blemishes, Higher Value

Because pearls are natural, blemishes are normal.
However, the amount and visibility affect price.

Common blemishes include:

  • Tiny spots

  • Small pits

  • Scratches

  • Wrinkles

  • Irregular bumps

Grading reference:

  • AAAAA: Very clean, almost flawless

  • AAAA: Minor blemishes

  • AAA: Noticeable blemishes

3. Shape – Round Pearls Are the Most Valuable

Value ranking by shape (from high to low):

  1. Round (most valuable)

  2. Near-round

  3. Oval

  4. Button

  5. Baroque (irregular, popular for designer jewelry)

💎 Perfectly round pearls, especially Akoya and South Sea, command premium prices.

4. Size – Larger Pearls Are Significantly More Valuable

Each 1 mm increase can raise the price by 20–40%.

Typical size ranges:

  • Freshwater: 6–11 mm (10 mm+ is a high price)

  • Akoya: 6–8.5 mm (8 mm+ is premium)

  • South Sea White: 10–14 mm (12 mm+ very expensive)

  • Tahitian Black: 9–13 mm (12 mm+ premium)

5. Color – Rarity Determines Price

Freshwater Pearls

  • Common: White, pink, peach

  • Higher value: Lavender, metallic luster

Akoya

  • Highest value: White with pink/blue overtone

  • Lower value: Cream or yellowish tones

Tahitian Pearls

  • Highest value: Peacock green

  • Common: Silver-gray, dark gray

South Sea White Pearls

  • Highest value: Silvery-white

  • Lower value: Creamy tones

South Sea Golden Pearls

  • Highest value: Deep rich gold

  • Lower value: Light gold

6. Matching – Important for Strands and Earrings

For strands, bracelets, and earring pairs:
Matching refers to consistency in color, size, luster, and shape.

Better matching = higher wholesale and retail value.

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