Matching

Matching applies when two or more pearls are sorted for uniformity and used in a strand or other jewelry item. For graduated strands, it applies to the consistency of the size progression as well as the harmony of the other five value factors. 

The GIA Pearl Description System provides five classifications for matching:

Excellent—Pearls are uniform in appearance and drilled on-center

Very Good—Very minor variations in uniformity

Good—Minor variations in uniformity

Fair—Noticeable variations in uniformity

Poor—Very noticeable variations in uniformity

Designers often intentionally mismatch pearls in bracelets, strands, other necklaces, and even earrings. Jewelry with deliberately mismatched pearls often has an eclectic, casual look. The items can still be very attractive, with the design achieving a pleasing visual harmony.

In the next assignment, you’ll learn about the many steps involved in pearl farming. Later, a series of assignments will give you more detail on the value factors and farming methods unique to each major cultured pearl type.

In these Japanese saltwater cultured pearl strands, the top strand is uniform in size while the bottom strand is graduated. Notice that the center pearl in the graduated strand is much larger than the others, giving the strand a size transition that’s not very even.