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GIA Adds ‘Peacock’ Color Range Comment to Pearl Reports
The change comes following a year of research into how the trade determines what constitutes “peacock” color in pearls.
GIA will apply a new descriptor to pearl reports to designate those with a “Peacock” color.
Carlsbad, Calif.— The Gemological Institute of America announced this week that it has added a new comment for its pearl reports, employing the trade color term “Peacock” for designated colors of cultured pearls from the Pinctada margaritifera (black-lipped pearl oyster), commonly known as Tahitian pearls.
When a pearl, strand or jewelry item meets the parameters for the Peacock color, GIA will add a comment to the report that states, “This pearl is often referred to as a ‘Tahitian’ cultured pearl in the trade, and it falls into the select color range that is known as ‘peacock.’”
Variations of the phrase also may be used.
The “select color range” was identified through GIA’s industry analysis on what was commonly agreed upon within the pearl trade as the “peacock” color.
GIA’s general description of that color range is, “a body color with a hue that contains green, of mid-to-strong saturation and mid-to-dark tone, and with moderate or stronger overtone (usually pink, but may be other hues) or orient.”
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When a pearl, strand or jewelry item meets the parameters for the Peacock color, GIA will add a comment to the report that states, “This pearl is often referred to as a ‘Tahitian’ cultured pearl in the trade, and it falls into the select color range that is known as ‘peacock.’”
Variations of the phrase also may be used.
The “select color range” was identified through GIA’s industry analysis on what was commonly agreed upon within the pearl trade as the “peacock” color.
GIA’s general description of that color range is, “a body color with a hue that contains green, of mid-to-strong saturation and mid-to-dark tone, and with moderate or stronger overtone (usually pink, but may be other hues) or orient.”
“This change comes about after a year of researching the historical and current use of the color term ‘Peacock,’ as well as considered industry feedback,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
“Based on our industry findings and GIA’s mission to educate consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, adding this descriptive trade term to reports better serves consumers.”
Since 1949, GIA has been a leader in the identification and classification of natural and cultured pearls, according to its website.
The lab has contributed to revising the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s pearl guidelines for the jewelry industry and is responsible for working with major pearl companies globally to develop comprehensive standards for describing pearls.
Today, GIA uses seven criteria to classify and describe pearl quality. The 7 Pearl Value Factors are: Size, Shape, Color, Nacre, Luster, Surface and Matching.
There will be no additional fee for this change. To learn more about GIA’s pearl reports and services, visit its website.
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