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What Does AAA Really Mean?
Value Factors
Always consider the grading system when selecting pearl necklaces or earrings. Look for the Mikimoto grading standard which has been the adopted international standard for decades. Most conventional retailers do not discuss the grade of their strands as mostly they are unaware of the significant difference in value between grades.
Pearl Grades vary as typical grading is AAA, AA+, AA, A, B, C. Most quality retailers do not carry any pearls under an "AA" grading. Only look for quality retailers that understand pearls and grade the pearls in a professional manner.
The following is typical Mikimoto style Grading and Specification of a pearl necklace in Superior Quality Akoya Pearls:
Luster...............AAA outstanding Thick Nacre
Body surface.........AAA Minimum 95% Clean
Shape................AAA Matching Outstanding Round
Color................White
Stringing............Knotted Fine Silk Double Threaded
Pearl Type...........Akoya Saltwater Cultured Pearls
Length...............18 inches
Size.................7.0 - 7.5mm
Clasp................Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Please note that the overall grading in this example should be a "AAA" quality strand. Had one of the categories been less than "AAA" then an Evaluation and Appraisal Team should normally decide whether or not to re-grade this piece of pearl jewelry. Always choose a store that will describe their pearl necklaces in this amount of detail. This is how you can determine the true worth of a pearl and your purchase.
Don’t be fooled by expensive claims like “collectors’ quality”, “AAA+” or even “AAAA quality” pearls. These are simply marketing techniques used to oversell inferior pearls and drive prices up. Clearly look for the Mikimoto standard in grading and quality control. AAA is simply the best grading on the market under this original standard rating system. There are many excellent retailers on the internet that use this old reliable rating technique to grade their pearl necklaces.
Tricks of the Business
Nothing says it like Pearls!
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