Let me show you how pearls are graded and priced.
But before I share this with you, here's the deal, there is no standardization for pearl grades.
Now don't get the wrong idea, among legitimte pearl jewelry stores there are industry rules that are followed and the Grading Rules or "Pearl Value Factors", by the GIA or Gemological Association of America, are universal and objective ways of grading pearls. Pearl size, pearl color and matching pearls are fairly objective, but pearl luster, nacre and pearl quality are more difficult to know.
Back to the purpose of this article because we do offer higher grades we want you to know the reasons for why things are prices as they are.
Here's the real kicker, that pearl necklace selling at a lower price may actually be over-priced if it is a lesser quality. We see this in department stores, with freshwater pearls. The pearls that they are selling are lower in Pearl Value factors, and showld be sold for less.
Stated a little differently, the "Pearl Value Factors" will help you to get what you pay for.
Now pay attention...................... |
