The classification of the pearls of the South Sea.

The most important thing and the first thing to understand about the classification of pearls is that, unlike diamonds, there is no standardized system. Each brand or company creates its own subjective system. So you should not take it into account to compare pearls from different companies.

As with Tahitian pearls, in the case of South Sea pearls, color affects the price of the pearl, but not its quality. Particularly in the case of golden pearls, you can find two AAA necklaces, one with a slightly yellow tone and the other with a deep golden tone and you will see that the latter has a much higher price, despite its quality being the same.

At secretandyou.com we describe all of our South Sea pearls in detail and photograph them individually.

The system described below refers to the surface of the pearls and their luster.

S&Y Signature

The South Sea pearls that we categorize as S&Y Signature are exceptional pearls.

• Flawless surface, pearls show no blemishes or inclusions before being drilled and mounted.
• Excellent brightness.

AAA

• 90% clean surface of the pearl.
• Only 10% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
• Only deep include is allowed.
• The mounted pearl should have a practically clean surface.
• The brightness is too high.

AA+

• 80% clean surface of the pearl.
• Only 20% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
• Only deep include is allowed.
• The mounted pearl should have a fairly clean surface.
• The brightness is too high.

AA

• Clean surface on 70% of the pearl.
• Only 30% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
• Only one or two deep inclusions are allowed.
• The mounted pearl should have a fairly clean surface.
• The brightness is between high and very high.

A+

• Clean surface on 40% of the pearl.
• Up to 60% of the pearl may show slight concentrated imperfections.
• Deep inclusions are limited to 10% of the pearl.
• The brightness is between medium and high.

A

• 60% of the pearl shows imperfections.
• Deep inclusions and white spots in a maximum of 20% of the pearl.
• The brightness goes from low to quite high.