PEARL QUALITIES
LUSTER
Luster is a combination of surface brilliance and a deep seated glow. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. The luster of a good quality pearl should be bright and not dull. You should be able to see your own reflection clearly on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky indicates low quality.
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Excellent (reflections appear bright and sharp)
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Very Good (reflections appear bright and near sharp)
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Good (reflections are bright but not sharp)
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Fair (reflections are weak and blurred)
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Poor (reflections are dim and diffused)
SURFACE
Blemishes or irregularities confined tot he pearl's surface, taking into account the size, number, nature, location, visibility, and type of surface characteristics.
- Clean (blemish-free or containing minute surface characteristics that are difficult to see)
- Lightly Spotted (only minor surface irregularities visible)
- Moderately Spotted (noticeable surface characteristics)
- Heavily Spotted (obvious surface irregularities that might affect durability)