The market for pearls is complex, with a wide variety of quality levels, descriptions, and origins, making it challenging to assess authenticity and value. For buyers who wish to ensure their pearls are high-quality or rare—and for those seeking certifications to increase a pearl’s market value—certain global authorities provide trustworthy certification. Many high-end pearl pieces come with certificates, though these vary greatly, and not all are from authoritative sources. Here’s an outline of some recognized and reliable pearl certification bodies worldwide:
United States
1.GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
GIA is a globally renowned gemological institution known for its research and certification in gemstones and jewelry. Their services include detailed reports on natural and cultured pearls, offering identification and quality assessments. GIA's certificates are widely trusted internationally.
2.IGI (International Gemological Institute)
IGI provides gemological grading and certification for gemstones and pearls through its global network of laboratories. Many jewelers in the U.S. rely on IGI for pearl authentication, especially for high-end jewelry.
3.AGS (American Gem Society)
AGS, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to quality and ethical standards in the jewelry industry. Known for diamond certification, AGS-certified jewelers also have expertise in pearls and can offer relevant certification through AGS labs.
Japan
As a major global pearl producer, Japan has highly specialized pearl certification institutions:
1.PEPCA (Pearl Evaluation and Pearl Culture Quality Association)
PEPCA (Pearl Evaluation and Pearl Culture Quality Association) is a Japanese organization dedicated to the quality control and assessment of pearls, especially within Japan's pearl industry. PEPCA is a legally recognized association that aims to maintain high standards in the farming, processing, and evaluation of Japanese pearls, particularly the esteemed Akoya pearls, which hold significant value in the global market.
*Special Pearls Certification
Pearl quality factors include nacre, luster, shape, flaws, and color. “Special Pearls” is a designation awarded by PEPCA's top evaluation team through a careful selection process. Evaluation experts visually inspect and meticulously select pearls based on quality criteria. Only after multiple experts unanimously agree on a pearl's exceptional quality is it awarded the highest certification as a “Special Pearl.”
The certification of “Special Pearls” began in May 2008. In August 2010, to further emphasize the “Special Pearls = highest quality pearls” concept, PEPCA introduced the “Special Pearl Certification.”
The certification program for “Special Pearls” was developed in response to the increasing variety of names for pearls, like “Hanadama pearls,” making it difficult for consumers to identify top-quality pearls. While the certification process began in 2008, the official classification of “Special Pearl - SUPEARL” and “Special Pearl - GRANPEARL” was introduced in August 2017. The original “Special Pearls” category is now classified as “GRANPEARL.” Within GRANPEARL, the rarest and most exceptional pearls are designated as “SUPEARL.” Although “SUPEARL” represents a higher level of quality, “GRANPEARL” remains highly respected, as it is rigorously selected by a team of pearl experts and awarded the title of top-quality pearl.
2.Pearl Science Laboratory
This specialized institution provides pearl research and scientific evaluation in Japan. Known for its reputation in the pearl industry, it offers certification reports detailing the origin, type, and quality of pearls.
3.Pearl Institute Co., Ltd. (真珠総合研究所)
Also known as Shinju Sogo Kenkyujo, this institute offers comprehensive grading services for pearls, evaluating nacre thickness, luster, and surface condition. The certificates provided by this institution are highly regarded for their objectivity, helping to clarify pearl quality and enhance market credibility.
Australia
China
With a significant pearl farming industry, China also offers credible institutions for pearl certification:
NGTC (National Gemstone Testing Center)
NGTC Recognized nationally and internationally, NGTC operates under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, providing comprehensive certification for gemstones, including pearls. With CMA and CNAS accreditations, NGTC ensures legal and reliable evaluation, and consumers can verify certificates through an online system.
These organizations provide transparent, authoritative assessments that help ensure authenticity and provide valuable assurance to buyers and sellers in the pearl market.