Pearl’s are small miracles of nature. Each one is a special creation. Of all the pearls across the globe, the South Sea Pearls, with their strange perfections and unique imperfections, are the rarest and most valued.
Each one judged and valued according to the five S’s Shine, Surface, Shade, Shape, Size.

Each of these five characteristics affects the value of the South Sea pearl.

SHINE

This is the pearl’s lustre or radiance. It’s the light reflected from the pearl’s surface combined with its deep inner glow. The lustre is considered the soul of the pearl. A brilliant lustre will produce an almost mirror reflection. The more lustrous the pearl, the higher the value.

SURFACE

The two essential aspects to the surface of a pearl are the blemishes and the grain. Pearls are graded according to the extent of visible blemishes and to the grain, which is the composition of the pearl’s skin and its structure. Even the most beautiful and valuable pearls have slight imperfections or blemishes. These natural ‘beauty marks’ give the pearl its individual character. The fewer blemishes and pearl grain on the surface, the more valuable the pearl.

SHADE

South Sea pearls are highly coveted for their richly varied colours and complexions. From deep intense colours, with various hues, to light hints of soft colour. Every pearl reflects colour in a different and subtle way, often displaying beautiful iridescent overtones. Despite the wide variance in shade and hue, all South Sea pearls belong to either a white, yellow or black range. Shade is a personal preference. However Gold, Silver and white are most valuable. Ivory and Blue shades are next, followed by Champagne Rose, Grey and Cream.

SHAPE

Pearls are a product of nature so every pearl is individual and unique. The major categories of South Sea pearl shapes are: Round, Near Round, Drop, Button, Baroque and Circle. With shape, Round is the most valuable with the more irregular shaped Baroque being the least valuable.

SIZE

Pearls are a product of nature so every pearl is individual and unique. The major categories of South Sea pearl shapes are: Round, Near Round, Drop, Button, Baroque and Circle. With shape, Round is the most valuable with the more irregular shaped Baroque being the least valuable.