The South Sea Pearl Blog / pearl quality

Nacre thickness describes a pearl’s internal construction, not its entire quality. Learn how it differs from luster, what visual inspection can establish, and when laboratory evidence is appropriate.

Compare South Sea pearls through seven clearly described value factors, then assess matching separately for pairs and strands. This guide also explains seller grades, treatments, and the questions worth asking.

What pearl luster is, what causes it, how to judge it in seconds, how it varies by pearl type, and why it matters more than size or shape when you buy.