Different pearl types have different grading standards. The Chinese pearl grading standard is as follows:

	A Grade	Extremely well shaped, sysmetric, white, high luster, very minor surface blemishes.
	B Grade	Well shaped, sysmetric, white to light cream, high luster, minor surface blemishes.
	C Grade	Irregular shape, off-white, medium luster (may be non-uniform), surface is irregular.
	D Grade	Same as C grade, but one or more of the characteristics are excessively bad (such as areas of no luster or wrinkled surfaces).
.	F Grade	For promotional purposes only. Not suitable for jewelry. Most of this grade is ground up into pearl powder, used in cosmetics and fashion accessories.

Some pearls fall between grades and are given mixed grades (A-B grade). Also, a pearl with A grade luster and C grade surface may be given a compromise B grade. In grade A, we can also apply G.I.A.grading system which ranges from A, A+, AA, AA+ to AAA. Generally, grade AAA is used to make rings, pendants and earrings, grade AA+ and less are used to make necklaces.