Pearls have been used as a symbol of beauty, luxury and purity worldwide for centuries. Pearls have been associated with royalty, wealth and status since ancient times. But not all pearls are created equal. Differentiating between pearls is done using the four Cs – Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat.
Pearls are graded on the basis of the nature and the number of luminescent bodies. The more luminescent bodies a pearl has, the higher its quality and the greater its value. This is because each simply adds a layer of beauty and complexity, elevating the appearance of any piece.
Buyers of pearls usually prefer to buy a pearl that is graded according to its luminescent body count. The most common of these is what is known as a single pearl, which has only one luminescent body. Other pearls may have multiple luminescent bodies, such as two, three or even four.
The number of luminescent bodies in a single pearl is usually indicated on its certificate of authenticity. This serves as proof that it is authentic and also provides an indication of the quality level. Single pearls are usually graded as “AAA” or “AA+”, meaning that they are of the highest quality.
Pearls with multiple luminescent bodies are graded with an “A” grade or better. These pearls are of the highest quality, but the more luminescent bodies present the rarer and thus more valuable the pearl becomes.
Multi–body pearls come in a variety of complex decorative patterns, such as the nacreous shell of the abalone pearl and the spotted layers of the black-lipped pearl. These patterns are usually circular or triangular in shape and highly prized for their rarity and beauty.
No matter the type of pearl, buyers should make sure that the pearls they purchase are certified by a reputable laboratory. This is important, as a certificate of authenticity helps ensure that the pearls are genuine and of good quality. Higher quality pearls will produce better results and last longer, thus making them a better investment.
When it comes to evaluating the beauty of a pearl, the number of luminescent bodies is only part of the equation. Other factors, such as color, size, shape and luster, should also be considered when appraising a pearl. But when it comes to grading the quality of pearls, the number of luminescent bodies is the main factor used to differentiate between pearls of different qualities. The greater the number of luminescent bodies a pearl has, the higher its value and the greater its beauty.
