South Sea pearls require careful, factor-by-factor evaluation. Their large size, substantial nacre, soft luster, natural color range, and broad variety of shapes all contribute to their appeal, but no single feature determines quality or value by itself.

An immense baroque white South Sea Pearl. .

Professional evaluation separates the major value factors before judging the pearl as a whole. Size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching should each be considered on their own, then weighed together in context. A large pearl is not automatically fine, a deep gold pearl is not automatically valuable, and a clean pearl may still be less desirable if its luster, color, shape, or overall appearance is weak.

In this section, we will apply GIA’s seven pearl value factors: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching.

Golden South Sea pearls from the Philippines.