How is the quality of a pearl determined?
The criteria that determine the quality of a pearl are based in part on the type of pearl being evaluated. In the case of freshwater pearls, these include shape, size, color, luster and surface quality. Since most freshwater pearls are sold by the strand and not as individual pearls, some of these factors, such as color and shape, are based on conformity within a particular strand. Other factors, such as luster and surface quality, are based on each pearl’s features. In general, pearls with high luster and fewer blemishes will be more expensive than duller or more irregular pearls.
