Understanding how pearls are graded reveals the precision behind their beauty.
At PEARL VOGUE, each grade reflects a delicate balance of luster, surface perfection, nacre depth, and symmetry — the qualities that define the world’s finest pearls.
Pearl Grading
AKOYA JAPONÉS
Description:
Japanese Akoya pearls are cultured pearls produced by the Pinctada fucata martensii oyster and are traditionally evaluated using nacre-based grading standards.
Their value is determined by a balance of luster quality, nacre thickness, surface cleanliness, and roundness.
In high-grade Akoya pearls, luster and nacre thickness are considered more important than size, as superior nacre is responsible for the mirror-like reflection and long-term durability of the pearl.
Certifications such as Hanadama and Aurora Hanadama represent pearls that meet the highest visual and structural criteria, with independently verified brilliance, surface quality, and nacre depth.
While size and overtone influence aesthetic preference, the finest Akoya pearls are defined by optical sharpness, consistency, and precision rather than scale, reflecting Japan’s meticulous pearl cultivation and grading tradition.
MAR DEL SUR BLANCO Y DORADO
Description:
South Sea pearls are cultivated primarily in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, produced by the Pinctada maxima oyster.
They are valued for their large size, soft satin-like luster, and naturally thick nacre.
In high-grade South Sea pearls, overall presence—defined by size, luster quality, and nacre depth—is considered more important than perfect surface uniformity.
Minor natural characteristics are acceptable when they do not detract from the pearl’s visual harmony and glow.
Due to their slow growth cycle and limited annual harvest, exceptional South Sea pearls are evaluated as individual gems, with emphasis on proportion, luminosity, and rarity rather than standardized benchmarks.
TAHITIANO
Description:
Tahitian pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia and produced by the Pinctada margaritifera oyster.
While often referred to as “black pearls,” their value lies in a spectrum of natural dark body colors combined with complex overtones.
In high-grade Tahitian pearls, color depth, overtone complexity, and luster are considered more important than absolute darkness or uniform hue.
Pearls exhibiting peacock, green, aubergine, or multi-hued overtones are particularly prized when paired with sharp surface reflection.
Rather than being defined by a single color standard, the finest Tahitian pearls are evaluated for optical richness, balance, and individuality, reflecting the diverse natural palette of Polynesian waters.
GRANPERLA/SUPERAL POR PEPCA
La Asociación Cooperativa de Exportación y Procesamiento de Perlas de Japón (PEPCA) ha estado brindando servicios de prueba para perlas Akoya de alta calidad desde mayo de 2008 para aumentar la confianza del consumidor. Un equipo de profesionales prueba perlas de alta calidad siguiendo estrictos estándares. Solo aquellas de la mejor calidad serán categorizadas como perlas "Especialmente Seleccionadas".
De hecho, el número La cantidad de perlas enviadas para la prueba es limitada y los aretes que llevan la etiqueta "Especialmente seleccionados" son aún más escasos. Un promedio de solo 184 collares de perlas se clasificó como "Especialmente seleccionadas" entre 2008 y 2016. De la producción anual de 550.000 collares de perlas, las reconocidas como "Especialmente seleccionadas" solo representan el 0,03%, lo que representa su rareza y significado.
PEPCA comenzó a emitir certificados para perlas "especialmente seleccionadas" en 2010 y la clasificación de perlas se clasificó posteriormente en " SUPERL " y " GRANPERLA " en agosto de 2017.
Clasificación
De acuerdo con los nuevos estándares de clasificación, las perlas "especialmente seleccionadas" se consideran " GRANPEARL ", mientras que las de mayor calidad y rareza se denominan " SUPEARL " .
PEPCA enfatizó que los productos " GRANPEARL " y " SUPEARL " son sin duda perlas de primera calidad que han pasado por una estricta selección y pruebas.
También se diseñaron etiquetas de perlas doradas y plateadas para facilitar el nuevo sistema de clasificación. Además, la organización redujo los informes de clasificación de perlas "especialmente seleccionadas" para garantizar la comodidad al promocionar y exhibir perlas durante las exhibiciones.
El estándar de clasificación de perlas tiene en cuenta cinco criterios: calidad, brillo, forma, defectos y color del nácar. El estándar de clasificación se puede utilizar para probar perlas Akoya, perlas del Mar del Sur, y perlas de Tahití.
Un equipo de cinco a ocho profesionales de PEPCA inspeccionará las perlas utilizando los puntos de referencia de clasificación anteriores antes de seleccionar las de la más alta calidad.
Para hacer frente a la confusión provocada por la proliferación de productos de perlas con nombres "nuevos" en el mercado en los últimos años, PEPCA aclaró que dichas etiquetas fueron otorgadas por institutos privados de acuerdo con sus propios estándares.
MAR DEL SUR BLANCO Y DORADO
Description:
Conch pearls are entirely natural, non-nacreous gemstones formed within the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas).
Unlike cultured pearls, they do not follow nacre-based grading systems.
Conch pearl grading is based on visual evaluation, with primary emphasis on flame pattern definition, color saturation, and overall optical presence.
In practice, in collector-grade conch pearls, flame pattern clarity and color intensity are considered more important than absolute surface perfection.
Minor natural characteristics, when they do not interrupt flame continuity or overall form, are generally accepted among serious collectors.
Due to their extreme rarity—fewer than one in ten thousand Queen Conch naturally produce pearls, and only a small fraction meet collector standards—each high-quality conch pearl is evaluated as an individual gem rather than against mass-market benchmarks.
MAR DEL SUR BLANCO Y DORADO
Description:
Mabe pearls are cultured blister pearls formed against the shell of the oyster, resulting in a distinctive domed silhouette rather than a full spherical shape.
They are valued for their large visual presence, luminous surface, and sculptural profile.
In high-quality Mabe pearls, luster clarity, dome symmetry, and surface integrity are considered more important than thickness or traditional roundness.
Their appeal lies in visual impact and design versatility rather than conventional pearl grading metrics.
When expertly selected and set, Mabe pearls offer a refined balance of scale, light reflection, and artistic expression, making them particularly suited for statement rings, pendants, and contemporary high jewelry designs.