Pearls, the ever glowing beauties, are organic gems and so no two pearls can be alike, just like humans. Also it is difficult to find quality natural pearls of immense perfection. For use in pearl jewelry there are certain factors that fall under scrutiny. Though there are no standardized systems of grading pearls industry wide, their value is determined by a combination of certain characteristics which can be attributed to the quality of the pearl.

The article aims to give you an understanding of the various factors that determine the quality and hence, the pricing of the pearl. The following are what you need to check with while making a choice:

1. Luster: The deep, intense shine of the pearl, for which it is renowned, is called luster. A pearl with low luster will have a milky or a chalky appearance whereas a high luster pearl will have the ability to reflect light in a better way giving mirror like reflections. Whilst round as a shape being of high priority in pearl jewelry, a lustrous baroque pearl will be more preferred than a milky round pearl making luster one of the most important criteria for grading a pearl.

2. Shape: Pearls occur in a large, fascinating variety of shapes which includes round, semi-round, oval, circled, baroque, drop and pear. Round is the most expensive of all other shapes.

Semi-rounds are also used in pearl necklaces or in pieces where the shape of the pearl can be disguised to look like it is a perfectly round pearl. Button pearls often make pearl necklaces, but are more often used in single pearl pendants or earrings where the back half of the pearl is covered, making it look like a larger, round pearl. Drop and pear shaped pearls are most often seen in pearl earrings, pearl pendants, or as a center pearl in a necklaces. Baroque is commonly seen in necklaces.

3. Color: Pearls are available in a wide range of colors or shade and can also be dyed to suit the dynamic fashion trends. Naturally pearls occur in white, cream, pink, lilac, silver, gold and black - the specialty of Tahiti. Typically color refers to the body color of the pearl which may hint other colors as overtones. Some white pearls when viewed under light show tones of pink or silver. These pearls command a higher price. Pearl earrings and necklaces can also be classified on the grade of the color of the pearl.

Selection based on this character is a matter of personal taste though, it is suggested that you pick colors that suit your skin tone.

4. Surface: While grading a pearl it is important to consider the surface smoothness of the pearl. Check for blemishes on the pearl surface. Blemishes are nothing but marks or bumps or little pot holes on the surface. Finding a pearl without blemishes is an exceptional occurrence. Fewer the blemishes, however, more will be the price of the pearl.

5. Size: Given all factors being equal, the price will be determined by the size of the pearl. Larger the gem, more value it commands. Pearls from different sources tend to range between respective size ranges as given below:
&bull Fresh water pearls: 3mm to 12mm
&bull South Sea pearls: 8mm to 18mm or more
&bull Akoya: 4mm to 10mm

Large sized pearls are usually witnessed in single strands used for pearl necklaces or bracelets and also in single pearl pendants, pearl rings and earrings, while multi-strand pearl necklaces and bracelets generally make use of smaller sizes.

The grading of pearls cannot be standardized as all the attributes of pearls may fall in different degrees of importance for different people. The selection of pearls is a phenomenon of individual tastes and preferences.