Pearl surface quality
Like diamonds, pearls are rarely flawless. Each pearl usually has small imperfections on its surface described in the industry as blisters, spots or indentations.
Pearl surface quality is judged by the number of flaws visible on the outside of the pearl. A pearl with fewer surface markings is more rare and hence more valuable.
High pearl luster will often make these flaws less visible and in general compensate for these small imperfections. When pearls are strung as a necklace or mounted on earrings, the mounting and drill holes can also detract the eye from any flaws inherent in the pearl.
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