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Classification of the pearls of Tahiti |
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We do not use classifications AAAA or A +++ which are not official, and make subjective a classification already difficult to realize objectively.
We use the official classification of the Ministére de la Perliculture:
Top Gem : perfect pearl, with an excellent luster
Grade A : surface without imperfections on 90%. Very beautiful luster.
Grade B : Smooth surface on 70%. Good luster at minimum.
Grade C : Smooth surface on 40%. Medium luster at minimum.
Grade D : Weak luster, Small imperfections on more than 60%
There are other secondary criteria that define the surface quality of the pearl, the basic color, the secondary tints etc...
Besides its diameter and its weight, its shape is classified as follows:
- Round and half round.
- Half baroque in the shape of drop, buttons and oval pearls.
- Circled, baroque.
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| Conversion between Tahitian classification and Institute Gemnological of America classification : |
| A-D Tahitian Grading |
AAA-A Grading |
Grading description and critria |
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| Top gemme |
Gem GRADE |
Flawless pearl with excellent luster |
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| A |
AAA |
Flawless on at least 90% of pearl's surface |
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Only a single deep inclusion allowable |
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Pearl should drill or set clean to virtually clean |
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Luster is very high |
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| A/B |
AA+ |
Between A and B ? |
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| B |
AA |
Only 30% of pearl surface may exibit slight, concentrated imperfections |
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Only one or two deep inclusions allowable |
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Luster is high to very high |
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| C |
A+ |
Flawless on at least 40% of pearl's surface |
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Up to 60% of pearl surface may exibit slight, concentrated imperfections |
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| D |
A |
Imperfections on more than 60% of the surface |
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(we do not sell them) |
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LOOSE PEARLS
JEWELS
LOTS OF PEARLS
