A Collector’s Guide to Pearl Quality: The SSSLC Standard

How to Test Pearl Quality: Understanding the SSSLC Quality Criteria

At Sohvii, we hand-select every Cultured freshwater pearl using a refined version of the traditional SSSLC standard: Size, Shape, Surface, Lustre, and Colour. This system helps you, as a conscious buyer, understand the true value behind the shimmer.

Here’s how to test and evaluate the quality of any pearl like a pro.

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1. Size

What It Means:
The diameter of the pearl, usually measured in millimetres (mm).

Why It Matters:
Larger pearls are rarer and generally more valuable, especially if they maintain high lustre and a symmetrical shape.

Sohvii’s Standard:
We offer a curated range from 5mm to 15mm — ideal for elegance and everyday luxury.

2. Shape

What It Means:
The form of the pearl — which can vary from perfectly round to beautifully irregular.

Common Pearl Shapes:

• Round – Most prized and rare in freshwater pearls
• Near-round – Almost spherical with minor deviations
• Button – Flat on one side, perfect for earrings
• Drop – Teardrop shape, ideal for pendants
• Baroque – Irregular, artistic, and expressive
  
  

Sohvii’s Take:
We embrace all from classic round to modern baroque shapes, as they reflect uniqueness and personality.

3. Surface

What It Means:
The presence of natural imperfections. The surface quality of a pearl plays a pivotal role in determining its overall value. It’s exceedingly rare for a pearl to be entirely free of blemishes.

Why It Matters:
Generally, the fewer blemishes a pearl has, the higher its value. But natural pearls will always have minor marks — it’s part of their charm.

What to Look For:
A clean surface with minimal visible blemishes under natural light.

Our Selection Promise:
Sohvii pearls are carefully examined for surface clarity, choosing only those with a smooth, elegant finish suitable for luxury pieces.

 4. Lustre

What It Means:
The pearl’s inner glow — how brightly it reflects light and how sharp those reflections appear.

Types of Lustre:

• Excellent: Sharp, mirror-like reflections
• Good: Bright but slightly softer reflections
• Fair to Poor: Dull or chalky surface

Why It’s Crucial:
Lustre is often the most important factor in determining a pearl’s beauty and value.

Sohvii’s Standard:
We select only high-lustre pearls with a radiant, natural shine because in luxury, glow speaks louder than words.

5. Colour

What It Means:
Pearls come in a spectrum of shades — from classic white to peach, lavender, pink, and silver-grey.

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Understanding Freshwater Pearl Colour:

• White – Usually a warm white, sometimes a “cool” white.
• Lavender – Ranges from pale mauves to pastel Lilac through deeper Lavenders and even darker Violet  
• Peach – Ranges from pale, pastel peach to darker apricot colours.
• Pink - Ranges from pastel baby pink to deeper bubble-gum pinks and mauve hues

Sohvii's Palette:
At Sohvii, we celebrate the full spectrum of pearl hues — from classic whites to delicate pastels — believing that every shade holds its own unique elegance.