The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is an independent body devoted to research and higher education in gemology. They are an institution of learning, research, and development. The GIA is recognized internationally as the foremost authority in Gemology and continue to strive to educate gemologists, jewellers, manufacturers, and all those involved in the jewellery trade, in addition to the public.

The GIA developed a system of evaluating pearls that has been adopted and adapted for use internationally. The GIA system is based on seven value factors: size, shape, colour, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching. Each pearl type has its own range of possibilities for each value factor. A pearl's worth depends on how the combination of these value factors are present.

Because there is not a sole grading system that has been accepted, and is used consistently by all members of the trade around the world, it is particularly important for the consumer to be educated about the product and the actual pearl attributes being observed. The most common grading scale used for pearls internationally is the A-AAA system. Though, most retailers modify the scale to be more specific about the quality of a product being sold. Regardless, a reputable jeweller will fully disclose the grading system they use and ensure it is understood.

We have gone to great lengths to be consistent and clear about the quality of the product we sell. This is why we use the A-AAA grading system that has been gleened from the GIA's seven value factors, in addition to a visual rating system to clarify the quality of our product. We also provide independant PSL Certificates with all of our AAA and Hanadama grade Akoya pearls.

All grading systems aside, what is applied consistently internationally with regard to grading pearls is two fold:

1] THE 7 ATTRIBUTES APPRAISED WHEN VALUING A PEARL
Luster - the higher the luster and sharper the reflection, the greater the value
Shape - generally, rarity and tradition make round pearls the most valuable
Inclusions - the fewer the inclusions and blemishing, the greater the value
Matching - on a multi-pearl piece or set, more exact the matching, the greater the value
Nacre - the smoother and thicker the nacre, the greater the value
Size - all other factors being equal, the larger the pearl, the greater the value
Colour - rarity of a colour will increase a pearl(s) value, though colour tends to be subjective and influenced moreso by consumer trends

2] RECOGNITION OF A DISTINCTIVLY HIGHER QUALITY PEARL THAT IS PECULIAR TO A SPECIFIC REGION
Overall China produces the best quality Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Overall Japan produces the best quality Akoya Saltwater Cultured Pearls
Overall French Polynesia produces the best quality Black Tahitian South Sea Cultured Pearls
Overall Indonesia produces the best quality Golden South Sea Cultured Pearls
Overall Australia produces the best quality White South Sea Cultured Pearls

So, in short, Select Pearls provides you with a grade based on GIA practices, a breakdown of the specific quality of each attribute by which pearls are appraised, and the knowledge of where the pearl was farmed. We have strived to make sure our clients are as well informed as possible. If you find you still have questions, please let us know. We are all trained GIA Pearl Specialists and are ready to answer any questions you may have.