Is there such thing as a pearl grading report that is equivalent to diamond grading reports?

There is a pearl grading report issued by the GIA that is more or less equivalent to its diamond grading report. The GIA examines and classified pearls according to its 'Seven Pearl Value Factors', which include shape, color, surface, species, thickness of nacre, luster and matching. The comprehensive grading system is highly up to date, as it was only first launched in 1998. These standards are pretty much comprehensive and are globally accepted as the standards for classifying diamonds. The GIA also contributed to the US Federal Trade Commission's official pearl definitions. In examining a pearl, the GIA first weighs and measure the pearl with an electronic micro balance. Next they are examined by trained gemologist, who verifies the pearl's weight and size measurements. The gemologist identifies the species, and notes if the pearl has been treated in any way, using advanced gemological testing equipment, x-radiography and UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy. These advanced methods let the gemologists examine a cross section of the pearl to determine how thick the nacre is on cultured pearls. The gemologist also rates the color, in a controlled lighting environment, in comparison with a set of 'master pearls'. These are also used to classify luster, matching and surface. After the pearl is graded, it gets passed on to another gemologist, who runs the battery of tests again just to make sure the classifications are accurate. Once the classifications are finalized, an official report is written up and sent to the client. The pearl report includes a digitally generated image of the pearl. The GIA's pearl grading report costs $80 for up to three white pearls. Colored pearl grading runs a little higher, at about $100 for up to three pearls. What's nice about pearl grading is that the pearls don't have to be loose: the GIA can grade set pearls or pearls strung on a necklace. The fee for evaluating strands of pearls is about $130-$260, depending on the number of pearls. Also, both natural pearls and cultured pearls can be graded.

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In a manner which resembles GIA's 4C's grading system for diamonds, GIA also issues a pearl grading system which is also based on similar qualitative criterions. Like with diamonds, a pearl is also assessed in terms of its size, color, luster and surface in addition to shape. The overall assessment grades will together determine the price and value of a certain pearl. In addition to the commonly adopted GIA grading system also referred to as the "Seven Pearl Value Factors", there are also other methods used for valuing pearls, which are the AAA-A and the A-D Pearl Grading System. The AAA-A system grades the quality of the pearl from A, being the lowest, to AAA being the highest quality pearl, a flawless pearl where 95% of the surface is free of defect. The A-D system (often called Tahitian System) rates the pearl on a scale from D, being the poorest quality, to an A, being the highest and most preferred quality. D actually represents pearls with slight defects that range over 60% of the body whilst A stands for a pearl with minor defects that account for less than 10% of its entire body. Both these grading systems put much emphasis on assessing the luster and surface of the pearl but in reality there are also other factors which could greatly contribute greatly to a pearl's value. One of these factors is the thickness of the pearl (professionally referred to as nacre), which helps determine the pearl's expected shine and luster span. So both diamonds and pearls share great similarities in the way they are appraised and valued. Characteristics such as luster, color and shape will help determine the value of these fascinating naturally occurring gems.

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