Weight: Measured in carats or grains (1 carat = 4 grains). Pearls are often sold by diameter in millimeters (mm) and strand length. Their specific gravity is low (~2.60-2.85) due to their organic nature.
Treatment: Pearls are very commonly treated. Common processes include:
Bleaching: To lighten body color and improve uniformity.
Dyeing/Painting: To create colors like black, gold, or peacock.
Irradiation: To darken the nucleus or create gray/blue hues.
Luster Enhancement: Coating with wax or polymer to improve shine.
Drilling & Stringing.
Body (Clarity/Appearance): Quality is judged by Luster (sharpness of reflections), Surface (cleanliness from blemishes), Shape (symmetry), Color (body color & overtones), Nacre Thickness (durability), and Size. Natural pearls are extremely rare; most are cultured (bead-nucleated or tissue-nucleated).
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