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GIA Adds ‘Hanadama’ Quality Range Comment to Pearl Reports
The historic trade term is used to distinguish cultured Akoya pearls of a certain quality.
GIA is offering a new descriptor on its pearl reports to designate cultured Akoya pearls of a certain quality as “Hanadama.”
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America announced it will be adding a new comment on its pearl reports, employing the trade term “Hanadama” for cultured Akoya pearls that fall within a select quality range.
To be designated Hanadama, GIA said cultured Akoya pearls must display a combination of all the following characteristics: a round to near-round shape, white body color with or without overtone, excellent luster, clean to lightly spotted surface, excellent to very good matching, and sufficient nacre thickness and quality.
When a pearl, strand or jewelry item meets the parameters for Hanadama, GIA will add a comment to the report that states, “These pearls fall into the select quality range that is known in the trade as ‘Hanadama.’”
Variations of the phrase may be used.
“We’ve undertaken a thorough exploration into the original and contemporary applications of the term ‘Hanadama,’ along with gathering extensive input from industry insiders,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
“Incorporating this historically important industry term into the report underpins our commitment to robust laboratory services and reports that allow consumers to make more informed choices in purchasing Akoya cultured pearls.”
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To be designated Hanadama, GIA said cultured Akoya pearls must display a combination of all the following characteristics: a round to near-round shape, white body color with or without overtone, excellent luster, clean to lightly spotted surface, excellent to very good matching, and sufficient nacre thickness and quality.
When a pearl, strand or jewelry item meets the parameters for Hanadama, GIA will add a comment to the report that states, “These pearls fall into the select quality range that is known in the trade as ‘Hanadama.’”
Variations of the phrase may be used.
“We’ve undertaken a thorough exploration into the original and contemporary applications of the term ‘Hanadama,’ along with gathering extensive input from industry insiders,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
“Incorporating this historically important industry term into the report underpins our commitment to robust laboratory services and reports that allow consumers to make more informed choices in purchasing Akoya cultured pearls.”
GIA has been working on identification and classification of natural and cultured pearls since 1949, according to its website.
Over the years, the lab has contributed to the revision of 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. They are: size, shape, color, nacre, luster, surface and matching.
There will be no additional fee for the addition of the descriptor Hanadama. To learn more about GIA’s pearl reports and services, visit its website.
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