GradingApr 10, 2023
GIA Is Going Back to Paper ReportsGradingMay 04, 2023
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.”
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
