The hands-on session is supported by a PowerPoint presentation featuring high quality images of certain characteristics useful for assessing overall grade. In this workshop, participants will examine and grade a variety of cultured pearls followed by a presentation concerning common enhancements and pricing considerations. Accurately pricing cultured pearls requires the professional gemologist to distinguish not only between types, but also to correctly assess quality and shape factors within the same variety. Market availability, surface quality and of course price differ greatly from variety to variety as well as among pearls of the same variety. Although visually similar, beyond appearance these products share little in common. Yet the standard remains the round to near round white products.

Today, cultured pearls are produced in an array of colors, shapes and sizes. However, visual similarity of these pearls to the once dominant seawater varieties like akoya and south seas have created some challenges for buyers, sellers and appraisal professionals whose responsibility is to accurately grade and price pearl products for their clients.

Learning gems colors and shapes app