Factors That Affect The Value of Pearls

The quality of pearls is basically determined by the following factors.

01

The quality and intensity of the reflection from the surface of the pearl.

02

The number of blemishes or imperfections on the pearl's surface.

03

Round pearls are typically the most expensive.

04

Larger pearls tend to be more valuable.

05

White is the most common, while gold and black are equally precious.

06

The Nacre thickness affects the quality of the pearl.

Each jeweler establishes their own grading standards based on these conditions, and there are some differences in the ratings. What is rated AAA by one jeweler may correspond to AA by another.

Shannt Rating Criteria

AAAA
Luster Mirror-like brilliance
Shape Perfectly round
Surface Exceptional surface quality, 0–1 tiny mark (a pinpoint/slight bump/growth line) visible only upon close inspection
Selection Shannt Rare Collector Grade
AAA
Luster High brilliance
Shape Round to near-round
Surface Very clean surface quality, 1–2 small marks (pinpoints/slight bumps/growth lines/shallow dimples), not obvious during normal wear
Selection Shannt Premium Grade
AA+
Luster Bright, with a soft glow
Shape Round to slightly off-round
Surface Clean surface, 1–2 small to moderate marks (pinpoints/slight bumps/growth lines/shallow dimples/minor unevenness)
Selection Shannt Refined Grade
AA
Luster Soft natural glow
Shape Slightly off-round
Surface Selected under Shannt’s elevated standard, 2+ marks (pinpoints/slight bumps/growth lines/shallow dimples/minor unevenness)
Selection Shannt Essential Grade

Our Selection Standards Vs.GUILD Certification

At Shannt, we maintain pearl selection standards that far exceed industry norms. For instance, some of our internally graded 2A Akoya pearls have successfully passed GUILD's Hanadama certification -underscoring the precision of our internal grading system and the high standards we uphold.

Shannt AA
  • Luster:

    Medium

  • Shape:

    Round/Near Round/Off Round

  • Surface (Social Distance):

    Minor to Medium Blemishes

  • Blemish (Up Close):

    2 or More Pits or Protrusions With Grow Lines

GUILD HANADAMA
  • Grades:

    Achieved four-star high quality rating in the Guild Pearl Grading System. (Magnificent)

  • Nacre Thickness:

    Nacre thickness ≥ 0.4 mm

  • Color:

    White

  • Overtone:

    Moderate to very strong with color

  • Size:

    Dimension ≥ 6mm

Why Do We Offer a Guild Certificate?

We’ve partnered with GUILD Gem Laboratory, one of the world’s most respected gemological institutions, to offer third-party certification for select pieces. Known for its scientific rigor and global grading system, GUILD brings independent validation to our already elevated standards. We introduced GUILD third-party certification to meet the needs of customers who value formal verification.