GIA Pearl Grading Report

Please note that American Pearl sells only perfectly clean, flawless pearls. Pearls found at other sources that are blemished are worth half us much. You can count on American Pearl for the cleanest most valuable pearls in the marketplace.

In purchasing a fine strand of cultured pearls, many consumers ask American Pearl about appraisals, certificates and grading reports. In fact, American Pearl is the APPRAISER'S APPRAISER. In fact, it is often the case that appraisers from many of the leading appraisal labs visit us for a pre-appraisal. This way, they can gather the information regarding quality and pricing they need from a leading expert and market maker before they issue a report that they charge so much for. We will gladly issue an appraisal for you free at no charge.

Because of our paramount reputation within the industry as the APPRAISER'S APPRAISER, American Pearl furnishes an in-house appraisal with every order which clarifies the description of the item, the gold content of the metal, the color and clarity of the diamonds associated with the piece as well as the luster, origin, quality and nature of the pearls in your order. You can view this report on the APPRAISAL section of our website. Some consumers feel more comfortable with a third party appraisal. It is for this reason that American Pearl aligned itself with the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) which is the unmistakable sole authority that is recognized and respected by finer jewelry establishments for grading pearls, diamonds and colored stones. No other organization is more reputable and trustworhy. In fact, the GIA is the only gemological institue recognized by Tiffany & Co. with good reason. The GIA has pioneered and established the nomenclature for grading and assessing cultured pearls in America. It is their grading system and classes which have educated jewelers across America.

Upon careful examination of their Pearl Grading Report, you'll notice that the only factors that the GIA consider when evaluating pearls is whether or not they are CULTURED PEARLS and whether or not they are NATURAL COLOR. Their concern in grading pearls is in determining the authenticity of the color and the nature of the process of the formation of the pearl.

Why do they not evaluate the luster, bodycolor, shape, overtone and surface? Furthermore, why do they not attach a price onto pearls that are being graded? The reason the most respected gemoligical institute in the world will not assess these qualities is because they understand that pearls are bound by a relative and additive grading system. In other words, there is always a pearl that may have higher luster or a whiter color; a pearl that one expert may consider more valuable to their eye. Unlike diamonds which are subject to a subtractive grading system where the highest grade defines a diamond exhibiting no color and a clarity which is flawless, the grading of pearls is relative. In other words, there exists and infinite combination of lusters, colors and overtones which are impossible to classify. So much so that a reputable institution such as the GIA will not dare attempt to assess a pearls value based on characteristics that are so subjective. In this way, pearls are notorious for being a "blind item." This is why it is so important purchase your strand of pearls from a well-established reputable company who is known for dealing in the finest pearls. In fact, American Pearl is well known for purchasing the "cream-of-the-crop" of each pearl harvest annually since 1950. This way you'll know that the pearls that you receive are the world's finest; even though an honorable institute such as GIA will not associate a price to them.

American Pearl welcomes your order for a PEARL GRADING REPORT. However, we truly feel that our pearls are the world's finest and given the reputation of our establishment unnecessary. Should you order a GIA Pearl Grading Report, this will add one to two weeks extra delivery time to your order. If you require your pearls sooner, you are free to send your pearls to American Pearl at any time for this report at a later date. A GIA Report is available for any item we offer for sale.