GIA Launches Cultured Pearl Report

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a classification report for unmodified cultured akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls.The GIA Cultured Pearl Classification Report includes the size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre and matching aspects of the jewel, known as the GIA's 7 Pearl Value Factors, the institute said Tuesday. It will also feature a digital image of the submitted item, which the GIA will accept in loose, mounted, strung or fixed-design form.The GIA will issue a Pearl Identification Report, rather than a classification report, for any pearls found to have been modified by treatment, or those that do not fall under the three accepted pearl types, it noted.Image: The GIA Cultured Pearl Classification Report. (Gemological Institute of America)