Grading Guidelines

The following specifies the grading criteria used by Freya Pearls for its pearl jewellery.

Size

Size of the pearl as measured by a micrometer. The typical sizes of the pearl depend on its type. Individual pearls may exceed these ranges depending on their growth conditions.

Shape

Shape is the geometric appearance of the pearl based on its overall symmetry, roundness and irregularities.

• Round (R) Round, spherical appearance to the eye. Minimal or no variation in diameter and symmetry.
• Near Round (NR) Appears nearly round to the eye. Difference in diameter is not easily noticeable.
• Button (B) Squashed like a button or bun, shorter than it is wide. Exhibits an axis of symmetry down the middle.
• Drop (D) Shaped like a water drop, narrower at one end than the other. Exhibits an axis of symmetry down the middle.
• Baroque (Q) Irregular and non-symmetrical. Can include various abstract and unique forms with twists, ovals or undulations.

Luster

Luster is the surface shine, brightness and reflective properties of a pearl. It comes from the quality of the pearl's nacre and how it was cultured and formed.

• Gem (G) Bright, reflective surface with well defined and sharp reflections.
• Brilliant (B) Bright, reflective surface with well defined and near sharp reflections.
• Near Brilliant (NB) Bright, reflective surface with well defined but not as sharp reflections.
• Bright (BR) Bright, reflective surface with good reflections.
• Reflective (R) Reflective surface with average reflections.
• Limited Reflection (LR) Limited reflection visible.

Nacre

Nacre quality is the quality of the nacre deposited onto the surface of the pearl. A pearl with high quality nacre will not exhibit any rippling effects on its surface when it's rolled.

• Smooth (S) Smooth and silky surface finish with no rippling effects.
• Near Smooth (NS) Near smooth surface finish with minor rippling effects.
• Rippling (R) Surface finish with visible rippling effects.
• Heavy Rippling (HR) Surface finish with major rippling effects.

Surface

Blemishes are surface imperfections that impact the presentation of the pearl. These include pitting, bumps, spots, marks, or other flaws on the pearl surface.

• Flawless (F) Clean surface free of blemishes, or with near invisible blemishes that are difficult to see without close examination.
• Near Flawless (NF) Near flawless surface with minor blemishes in one area.
• Slightly Flawed (SF) Minor blemishes visible in multiple areas.
• Blemished (B) Flaws cover the majority of the pearl's surface.
• Heavily Blemished (HB) Flaws cover the entire pearl surface.