Understanding how pearls are graded reveals the precision behind their beauty.
At PEARL VOGUE, each grade reflects a delicate balance of luster, surface perfection, nacre depth, and symmetry — the qualities that define the world’s finest pearls.
Pearl Grading
일본 아코야 | 타히티어 | 화이트 & 골든 남해 | 그랜펄 / 수퍼
일본 아코야
Description:
Japanese Akoya pearls are cultured pearls produced by the Pinctada fucata martensii oyster and are traditionally evaluated using nacre-based grading standards.
Their value is determined by a balance of luster quality, nacre thickness, surface cleanliness, and roundness.
In high-grade Akoya pearls, luster and nacre thickness are considered more important than size, as superior nacre is responsible for the mirror-like reflection and long-term durability of the pearl.
Certifications such as Hanadama and Aurora Hanadama represent pearls that meet the highest visual and structural criteria, with independently verified brilliance, surface quality, and nacre depth.
While size and overtone influence aesthetic preference, the finest Akoya pearls are defined by optical sharpness, consistency, and precision rather than scale, reflecting Japan’s meticulous pearl cultivation and grading tradition.
화이트 & 골든 남해
Description:
South Sea pearls are cultivated primarily in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, produced by the Pinctada maxima oyster.
They are valued for their large size, soft satin-like luster, and naturally thick nacre.
In high-grade South Sea pearls, overall presence—defined by size, luster quality, and nacre depth—is considered more important than perfect surface uniformity.
Minor natural characteristics are acceptable when they do not detract from the pearl’s visual harmony and glow.
Due to their slow growth cycle and limited annual harvest, exceptional South Sea pearls are evaluated as individual gems, with emphasis on proportion, luminosity, and rarity rather than standardized benchmarks.
타히티어
Description:
Tahitian pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia and produced by the Pinctada margaritifera oyster.
While often referred to as “black pearls,” their value lies in a spectrum of natural dark body colors combined with complex overtones.
In high-grade Tahitian pearls, color depth, overtone complexity, and luster are considered more important than absolute darkness or uniform hue.
Pearls exhibiting peacock, green, aubergine, or multi-hued overtones are particularly prized when paired with sharp surface reflection.
Rather than being defined by a single color standard, the finest Tahitian pearls are evaluated for optical richness, balance, and individuality, reflecting the diverse natural palette of Polynesian waters.
그랜펄/수퍼 PEPCA에 의해
일본진주수출가공협동조합(PEPCA) 은 소비자 신뢰를 높이기 위해 2008년 5월부터 최고 품질의 아코야 진주에 대한 테스트 서비스를 제공하고 있습니다. 전문가 팀이 엄격한 기준에 따라 고품질 진주를 테스트합니다. 최고 품질의 진주만 "특별 선별" 진주로 분류됩니다.
사실 그 숫자는 테스트를 위해 보내진 진주는 한정되어 있으며 "특별 선택" 라벨이 붙은 귀걸이는 더욱 희귀합니다. 2008년부터 2016년까지 평균 184개의 진주만 '특별선정'으로 분류됐다. 연간 55만 줄의 진주 생산 중 '특선'으로 인정받은 진주는 0.03%에 불과해 그 희소성과 의미가 크다.
PEPCA는 2010년 "Specially Selected" 진주에 대한 인증서 발급을 시작했으며 진주 등급은 나중에 2017년 8월 " SUPEARL " 및 " GRANPEARL "로 분류되었습니다.
분류
새로운 등급 기준에 따라, "특선"진주는 것으로 간주된다 " GRANPEARL " 명명 된 최고의 품질과 희소성의 그 반면 " SUPEARL " .
PEPCA 강조 " GRANPEARL " 및 " SUPEARL " 제품은 의심할 여지 없이 엄격한 선택과 테스트를 거친 최고급 진주입니다 .
금색과 은색 진주 라벨도 새로운 등급 시스템을 용이하게 하기 위해 설계되었습니다. 또한 전시회 기간 동안 진주를 홍보하고 전시할 때 편의를 위해 '특선' 진주 분류 보고서를 축소했다.
진주 등급 기준은 진주층 품질, 광택, 모양, 결함 및 색상의 다섯 가지 기준을 고려합니다. 등급 기준은 Akoya 진주, 남양 진주, 그리고 타히티 진주.
PEPCA의 5~8명의 전문가로 구성된 팀이 최고 품질의 진주를 선택하기 전에 위의 등급 기준을 사용하여 진주를 검사합니다.
PEPCA는 최근 몇 년 동안 시장에서 "새로운" 이름으로 된 진주 제품의 확산으로 인한 혼란을 해결하기 위해 이러한 라벨은 자체 표준에 따라 민간 기관에서 부여했음을 분명히 했습니다.
화이트 & 골든 남해
Description:
Conch pearls are entirely natural, non-nacreous gemstones formed within the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas).
Unlike cultured pearls, they do not follow nacre-based grading systems.
Conch pearl grading is based on visual evaluation, with primary emphasis on flame pattern definition, color saturation, and overall optical presence.
In practice, in collector-grade conch pearls, flame pattern clarity and color intensity are considered more important than absolute surface perfection.
Minor natural characteristics, when they do not interrupt flame continuity or overall form, are generally accepted among serious collectors.
Due to their extreme rarity—fewer than one in ten thousand Queen Conch naturally produce pearls, and only a small fraction meet collector standards—each high-quality conch pearl is evaluated as an individual gem rather than against mass-market benchmarks.
화이트 & 골든 남해
Description:
Mabe pearls are cultured blister pearls formed against the shell of the oyster, resulting in a distinctive domed silhouette rather than a full spherical shape.
They are valued for their large visual presence, luminous surface, and sculptural profile.
In high-quality Mabe pearls, luster clarity, dome symmetry, and surface integrity are considered more important than thickness or traditional roundness.
Their appeal lies in visual impact and design versatility rather than conventional pearl grading metrics.
When expertly selected and set, Mabe pearls offer a refined balance of scale, light reflection, and artistic expression, making them particularly suited for statement rings, pendants, and contemporary high jewelry designs.