Grading and Price Reporting System of Cultured Pearls

Chinese national standard on cultured pearls, which was established in 2003 and revised in 2008, only specifies the grading in each quality factor of cultured pearls, but it does not state the method and standard of that in the total quality of jewelry pearls. Therefore, the standard does not match the international pearl price reporting system, which limits the application of our national standard in the international market. In view of the problems above, this paper systematically summary the main international pearl grading and appraising systems, analyse the problems of national standard by contrast, and suggest solutions to improve our grading and price reporting system. Consequently, the authors of this paper recommend the establishment of a grading method and standard which could state the total quality grading and pricing system. According to the national grading system, the authors suggest the calculation of the total quality grade by the weight coefficient of quality affecting factors based on Cartier H. Rechard's method and setting up the pricing system matched along with the total quality grade. The national authority institutions are advised to regularly publish pearl price information to regulate the pearl market and to provide reference for pearl appraisal.