Introducing Advanced Pearl Technology from the GIA lab

Posted on Jun 9, 2011 in GIA Grading & Reports,

In 2011, We’re proud to have introduced a new technology that enables GIA laboratories to daily assess much larger groups of pearls more quickly, and in greater detail, than any previous technology.

A natural pearl occurs as an act of nature, over a long period of time, in oysters, mussels or clams. The ability to consistently generate what was once a rare phenomenon has created a much wider audience for the appreciation and purchase of pearls. But it has also led to confusion about levels of quality and how to determine them. In 1998, we created a standard for pearl grading and terminology, just as we did for diamonds with the 4Cs. You can read more about GIA’s pearl grading here.

We’re excited to continue technological advancement in pearl grading to ensure quality and origin of natural pearls. These new, significant advancements in the pearl testing process feature highly advanced micro-CT X-ray units that produce high-definition 3-D images of individual pearls. We installed the units in April after months of tests and evaluations. These new units enable us to rapidly gain fully rotational 3-D images of the internal growth structures of pearls in just 15 to 20 minutes; older units take 3 to 5 hours or more.

This newly introduced technology is in addition to the high-resolution real-time 2-D radiography that GIA has used in pearl testing for the past several years. Both micro-CT and real-time microradiography are processes that examine the internal structures of small objects in minute detail, which is critical in determining whether a pearl is natural or cultured.

To find our more information, read the official press release on GIA.edu.