Grading Chart

Overview

While there is a standardized grading process, various companies may use diverse grading techniques that may differ somewhat from one another.

Below, you will find comprehensive information on our grading approach, which is intended to help you improve your decision-making process before making a purchase on our online shop, www.cmwpearls.com

Grades Description Clean face Blemish Area Annual Yield Remarks
TOP Blemishes cover around 0–5% of the pearl. There should be no visible flaws after mounting. Yes Concentrated 1%
TOP/AAA Blemishes cover approximately 0–10% of the pearl. This class is often used for necklaces, bracelets, or pairs. There may be a mix of grades with more top-rated pearl than AAA grades. Yes Bottom Part
2-5%
Grading that applies to the necklace and bracelet. May only have a clean face when used as a necklace or bracelet. For earrings or pendant usage, it is recommended to make an inquiry to help you check if it is possible.
AAA/TOP Blemishes cover around 0–10% of the pearl.
This class often applies to necklaces, bracelets, or pairs. There might be a mix of grades where there are
more AAA grades than TOP grades.
Yes Bottom Part Grading that applies to the necklace and bracelet. May only have a clean face when used as a necklace or bracelet. For earrings or pendant usage, it is recommended to make an inquiry to help you check if it is possible.
AAA Blemishes cover around 5–12% of the pearl. After mounting, imperfections may be located at the bottom of the pearl and difficult to notice. Yes Bottom Part
AAA/AA Blemishes cover around 5–60% of the pearl. 
This grading usually applies to necklaces, bracelets, or pairs. As they are mixed grades. The item should have
more AAA-grade pearls than AA. Overall, the necklace should mostly have a clean face once strung.
Overall, Yes A few pearls may have visible blemishes at the sides of the pearl.
10-20%
AA/AAA Blemishes cover 5–60% of the pearl. 
This grading usually applies to necklaces, bracelets, or pairs. As they are mixed grades. The item should have
more AA-grade pearls than AAA. Overall, the necklace may have more visible blemishes.
Overall, No Blemishes will be visible on the side and bottom parts of the pearl.
AA Blemishes cover 30-60% of the pearl.
Most of the pearls will have visible blemishes around the pearl
No Blemishes will be visible on most part of the pearl
40-70%
Deeper spots and white spots visible on the pearl
AA/A Blemishes cover 30-100% of the pearl.
This grading usually applies to Necklaces, Bracelets or Pairs. As they are mixed grades. The item should have
more AA grades pearl than A. Overall the necklace have visible blemishes.
No Blemishes will be visible All over the pearl Deeper spots and white spots visible on the pearl
A Blemishes cover more than 60% of pearl with Low luster No Blemishes will be visible All over the pearl Surrounded deeper spots and white spots visible on the pearl
D Blemishes cover more than 60% of pearl with Low luster No Blemishes will be visible All over the pearl Surrounded deeper spots and white spots visible on the pearl