parel grading uses an industry-consensus AAA-AA-A-schaal (no global standardization body, unlike GIA for diamanten). Each retailer applies the scale slightly differently. This guide explains what each grade actually means visually and what you should pay.

The four grading axes

• Surface — percentage of the parel free from blemishes, pits, cracks, or wrinkles
• glans — how sharply the parel reflects light (mirror = best)
• Vorm: — how close to perfectly round (round > near-round > drop > baroque)
• kleur uniformity — for gematcht strands, how consistent the ondertonen is from end to end

AAA grade specifications

• Surface 95%+ clean (5% or less shows minor imperfections)
• glans: mirror — you can see your reflection clearly in the parel
• Vorm: round to near-round (within 2% deviation)
• kleur uniformity: all parels match within strict ondertonen tolerance
• Approximate harvest yield: ~5% of all gekweekte parels reach AAA
• Premium over AA: typically 50-150% higher price

AA grade specifications

• Surface 85% clean (15% or less shows imperfections)
• glans: high — clear and bright but not mirror
• Vorm: near-round acceptable (within 5% deviation)
• kleur uniformity: minor variation acceptable
• Approximate harvest yield: ~30% of gekweekte parels

How to test grades visually

The glans test: hold the parel 6 inches from a window. Look for sharpness of reflection. AAA shows a clear, sharp window outline. AA shows a softer outline. A grade parels show a fuzzy or blurred reflection.

The surface test: rotate the parel slowly. AAA parels reveal no obvious imperfections at conversational distance. AA parels show 1-2 minor surface marks under careful inspection.

Should you always buy AAA?

Not necessarily. Trade-offs:

• Statement enkele-parel juwelen (pendants, earring centers, ring centers): AAA is worth the premium because the parel is the focal point.
• Gematcht strands: AAA pricing climbs steeply; AA strands offer dramatically more parel-per-dollar at the cost of slight uniformity variance.
• Loose parels used in custom designs: AA is often the smart choice when settings hide part of the surface.

About "AAAA" claims

Some retailers use "AAAA" voor the absolute top tier. It is not universally recognized; many retailers reserve it for marketing reasons. Look for specific kwaliteit descriptions (not just letter grades) when comparing high-end parels.

Our grading commitment

Every piece sold by The Zuidzeeparels wordt geleverd met a certificate documenting the grade and the four-axis evaluation. We grade against industry-consensus standards.

Veelgestelde vragen

Is there an official parel grading authority?

No global body comparable to GIA for diamanten. The AAA-AA-A-schaal is industry consensus. Some Japanse institutes (parel Science Lab) certify Hanadama Akoya specifically.

Wat is the difference between AAA and AAAA?

"AAAA" is not universally recognized — some retailers use it voor the absolute top of harvest (99%+ surface clean, perfect round, perfect glans). Most reputable sellers stick with AAA as the top grade.

Why do AAA parels cost so much more than AA?

AAA represents only ~5% of harvest. The natural rarity of parels that meet all four grading axes simultaneously drives the price premium.

Can parels of different grades be mixed in a strand?

Yes — graduated strands often use higher grades at the center and lower grades at the slot. Gematcht AAA strands keep uniform grade throughout for premium pricing.

Hoe you grade a parel strand?

Each parel is gegradeerd individually, then the strand grade is the LOWEST grade in the strand (the weakest link defines the whole). AAA strands require every parel to meet AAA standards.