Login For Pricing
Round
Drop
Button
Oblong
Three Fourth
Half
Heart
Circle
Baroque
Irregular
Availability
Whether the listing is immediately available for purchase (A), out on memo to another client (M), or is unavailable/just sold (U).
Quantity Available
The quantity of pearls, pearl strands, etc. available under this listing.
Pearl Shape
Baroque |
Button |
Circle |
Drop |
Half |
Heart |
Irregular |
Oblong |
Round |
3/4th |
Pearl size
The average diameter, in millimeters, of the pearls in each pearl listing. This can also indicate the range of sizes for a graduated strand.
Pearl Width
For an oblong or similar pearl with multiple dimensions, this indicates the average shorter dimension of each pearl in the listing.
Size Consistency
Strands, bracelets, and necklaces can be uniform in size or graduated, meaning the pearls grow in size from the ends to the center of the strand.
Pearl Length
The length of the piece, in inches.
Length Type
- Bracelet
Bracelet: 5” for baby or 7” for adult.
- Dog Collar
Dog Collar: A short length between 8-15" that is perfect for small dogs.
- Collar
Collar: 15”, meant to hug the base of the neck.
- Choker
Choker: 16”, meant to brush the top of the collarbones.
- Princess
Princess: 18”, the traditional necklace length meant to sit just below the collarbones.
- Matinee
Matinee: 20”-24”, meant to drape at the center of the chest.
- Opera
Opera: 30”, a long, layerable length.
- Rope
Rope: 36”, a long length that can be doubled over or knotted for a different look.
Bracelet: 5” for baby or 7” for adult.
Nacre Thickness
The thickness of the pearl's natural layers over the bead nucleus. Thick and medium nacre is more desirable over thin nacre, as they are generally more lustrous and durable.
Cut
- Full Drilled
Full Drilled: Drilled through the entirety of the pearl at the center, to be strung.
- Half Drilled
Half Drilled: Drilled to the center of the pearl, to be mounted on a post for pendants or earrings.
- Undrilled
Undrilled: The pearl is left undrilled for gluing or mounting in jewelry.
- Half Pearl
Half Pearl: The pearl has been sliced in half, good for using in large looks with a lower profile (rings, earrings, etc.)
- Add a Bead
Add a Bead: A pearl with a larger full drilled hole so that it can be strung on a pendant.
Full Drilled: Drilled through the entirety of the pearl at the center, to be strung.
Country Origin
The country in which a pearl was farmed can often indicate certain characteristics of the final product given the wide range of waters, mollusk species, and farming techniques. Akoyas are almost exclusively Japanese and sometimes Chinese, while freshwaters are predominantly Chinese; some of the best South Sea pearls come from Australian and Indonesian farmers.
Waters Origin
There are two basic varieties of cultured pearls: freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater pearls are grown primarily in man-made lakes and reservoirs in China. Saltwater pearls, which include Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea, are grown in bays, inlets and atolls in many places around the world.
No. Of Pearls in Piece
The quantity of pearls in each product, not to be confused with the quantity available. For example, "number of pearls in piece" in a strand may be 50, with "quantity available" being 4 strands.
No. Of Rows
For a finished bracelet or necklace, this indicates how many strands of pearls make up the final length of the piece.
Avg. Weight
With parcels of many stones, this measure gives a good estimate for the size of an individual stone in the lot.
Quantity
The quantity of pearls, pearl strands, etc. available under this listing.
Total Price
The price for the entire listing, per quantity available.
Metal
The type of metal used for clasps, posts, and other hardware (if any).
Clasp Type
- Designer
Designer: A non-traditional clasp meant to be a decorative addition to the piece, and is often embellished with diamond or other gemstones.
- Filigree
Filigree: An open clasp with metal scrollwork.
- Fish Hook
Fish Hook: A marquise-shaped box with a hook-shaped tongue that hooks around a post on the box's opening before clicking into place, providing a compact safety catch.
- Fold Over
Fold Over: Much like a barrette, this versatile clasp secures around a metal loop, strand, or other narrow portion of the jewelry, making it ideal for adjustable lariat necklaces.
- Lobster
Lobster: A simple clip with a spring-loaded lever closure.
Designer: A stone that is faceted along the pavilion and polished with a dome on top, not unlike a cabochon.
Clasp Size
The length, width, and depth, respectively, in millimeters.
Clasp Details
Any additional important details about the clasp, including carat weight of diamonds or other gemstones.
Earring Setting
- Euro-Wire
Euro-Wire: A hook-shaped ear post that is either open at the back (also called a fish hook), or covered with a hinged backing.
- Push Back
Push Back: Also called a friction back or butterfly back, this common earring backing is used for studs.
- Pushback-Hypoallergenic
Pushback-Hypoallergenic: A friction back with a soft covering of silicone for comfort.
- Screwback
Screwback: A more secure backing that screws onto threads on the earring's post.
Euro-Wire: A hook-shaped ear post that is either open at the back (also called a fish hook), or covered with a hinged backing.
Product Type
The loose or finished pearl type, ex. studs, strands, or finished necklaces.
Pearl Type
- Akoya
Akoya: A high-quality Japanese or Chinese white to cream colored pearl with rose, silver, or cream overtones. Generally found in smaller sizes (up to 8.5mm).
- Biwa
Biwa: A freshwater pearl that is often found in long, stick-like shapes.
- Blister
Blister: A pearl that has developed attached to the inside of the mollusk’s shell.
- Freshwater
Freshwater: The most common pearl that is found in a wide range of sizes from about 2.0mm to 15.0mm. Grown in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds predominately in China.
- Keshi
Keshi: An irregularly shaped pearl with no central nucleus (like in other cultured pearls). They can be found in multi-color hues in large sizes exceeding 30mm.
- Mabe
Mabe: Grown like a blister pearl then cut out flush from the shell to create a hemispherical shaped pearl. They can also be produced in “fancy” shapes like hearts or ovals.
- South Sea
South Sea: A rare Pacific Ocean pearl found in silvery-white, silver, and gold colors in large sizes up to 15mm.
- Tahitian
Tahitian: A naturally grey to black colored pearl from black lipped oysters in the French Polynesian waters. It is generally found only in larger sizes, from 8.0mm to 18.0mm.
Akoya: A high-quality Japanese or Chinese white to cream colored pearl with rose, silver, or cream overtones. Generally found in smaller sizes (up to 8.5mm).
Body Color
-
White: Akoya, freshwater, South Sea
-
Grey: South Sea, Tahitian, Keshi, Mabe, freshwater
-
Lavender: Freshwater, Biwa
-
Pink: Freshwater, Biwa, Keshi, Akoya
-
Peach: Freshwater, Biwa
-
Golden: South Sea, Akoya, freshwater
-
Brown: Tahitian, freshwater
-
Black: Tahitian, Akoya, freshwater
Multi: A strand with multiple color pearls (often seen with Tahitian and South Sea).
White: Akoya, freshwater, South Sea
Overtone
Overtone refers to the color of the sheen that overlays a pearl's main body color.
Treatment
- (N) Natural
Natural: The pearl has not undergone additional treatments to enhance its color, lustre, or blemishes.
- (D) Dyed
Dyed: The use of silver nitrate or other organic dyes to darken the nacre of the pearl. Typically dyed pearls will hold up beautifully to consistent wear and cleaning.
- (IR) Irradiation
Irradiation: The use of gamma rays to darken the nucleus of the pearl in akoya pearls and the nacre layers in freshwater.
- (B) Bleached
Bleached: The pearl has been bleached to improve its color. (Please note that most pearls are routinely bleached as a part of their harvesting process and that it can be difficult to determine if a pearl has been enhanced.)
(N) Natural: The pearl has not undergone additional treatments to enhance its color, lustre, or blemishes.
Description
AGI's final take on the pearl. AGI graders have gone the extra mile to thoroughly grade every pearl to give a professional opinion on its overall aesthetics including luster, surface quality, and color.
Availability
Whether the listing is immediately available for purchase (A), out on memo to another client (M), or is unavailable/just sold (U).
Quality
- AAA
AAA: AAA are top-quality pearls with high luster, little to no blemishes, and excellent shape. These pearls often have highly desirable colors and overtones.
- AA
AA: AA pearls may have medium to high luster, light blemishes, and off-round or round near shapes to differentiate them from AAA quality pearls.
- A
A: These pearls may have medium to soft luster, light to moderate blemishes, and/or off-round or round near shapes.
- Commercial
Commercial: These pearls may have soft luster, moderate to heavy blemishes, and/or off-round shapes that negatively affect their appearance.
AAA: AAA are top-quality pearls with high luster, little to no blemishes, and excellent shape. These pearls often have highly desirable colors and overtones.
Luster
A description of the pearl's natural reflections or "glow" in terms of its sharpness and brightness. "High" luster pearls are the most valued, while "soft" luster pearls are the most economical.
Blemish
The surface quality of the pearl's "skin", based on the number of dimples, mottled spots, and ridges. "Clean" pearls are the most valued, while "heavy" blemish pearls are the most economical.
Quality
- AAA
AAA: AAA are top-quality pearls with high luster, little to no blemishes, and excellent shape. These pearls often have highly desirable colors and overtones.
- AA
AA: AA pearls may have medium to high luster, light blemishes, and off-round or round near shapes to differentiate them from AAA quality pearls.
- A
A: These pearls may have medium to soft luster, light to moderate blemishes, and/or off-round or round near shapes.
- Commercial
Commercial: These pearls may have soft luster, moderate to heavy blemishes, and/or off-round shapes that negatively affect their appearance.
AAA: AAA are top-quality pearls with high luster, little to no blemishes, and excellent shape. These pearls often have highly desirable colors and overtones.
Luster
A description of the pearl's natural reflections or "glow" in terms of its sharpness and brightness. "High" luster pearls are the most valued, while "soft" luster pearls are the most economical.
Blemish
The surface quality of the pearl's "skin", based on the number of dimples, mottled spots, and ridges. "Clean" pearls are the most valued, while "heavy" blemish pearls are the most economical.
Quantity Available
The quantity of pearls, pearl strands, etc. available under this listing.
No. Of Pearls in Piece
The quantity of pearls in each product, not to be confused with the quantity available. For example, "number of pearls in piece" in a strand may be 50, with "quantity available" being 4 strands.
Country Origin
The country in which a pearl was farmed can often indicate certain characteristics of the final product given the wide range of waters, mollusk species, and farming techniques. Akoyas are almost exclusively Japanese and sometimes Chinese, while freshwaters are predominantly Chinese; some of the best South Sea pearls come from Australian and Indonesian farmers.
Waters Origin
There are two basic varieties of cultured pearls: freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater pearls are grown primarily in man-made lakes and reservoirs in China. Saltwater pearls, which include Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea, are grown in bays, inlets and atolls in many places around the world.
Nacre Thickness
The thickness of the pearl's natural layers over the bead nucleus. Thick and medium nacre is more desirable over thin nacre, as they are generally more lustrous and durable.
Overtone
Overtone refers to the color of the sheen that overlays a pearl's main body color.
Treatment
- (N) Natural
Natural: The pearl has not undergone additional treatments to enhance its color, lustre, or blemishes.
- (D) Dyed
Dyed: The use of silver nitrate or other organic dyes to darken the nacre of the pearl. Typically dyed pearls will hold up beautifully to consistent wear and cleaning.
- (IR) Irradiation
Irradiation: The use of gamma rays to darken the nucleus of the pearl in akoya pearls and the nacre layers in freshwater.
- (B) Bleached
Bleached: The pearl has been bleached to improve its color. (Please note that most pearls are routinely bleached as a part of their harvesting process and that it can be difficult to determine if a pearl has been enhanced.)
(N) Natural: The pearl has not undergone additional treatments to enhance its color, lustre, or blemishes.
Description
AGI's final take on the pearl. AGI graders have gone the extra mile to thoroughly grade every pearl to give a professional opinion on its overall aesthetics including luster, surface quality, and color.
Metal
The type of metal used for clasps, posts, and other hardware (if any).