How We Define 4A & 5A Pearls at Alya Pearls

Pearl grading can feel confusing—especially online. Terms like “AAA” or “5A” aren’t always regulated across the industry, and different sellers may use them differently.

So instead of asking you to trust a label, we’d rather show you what our labels mean—clearly, and in plain language.

Our Non-Negotiable Standard: Luster Comes First

At Alya Pearls, both 4A and 5A begin with the same foundation: we never ship pearls that look dull, chalky, or lifeless.

For us, luster is the one quality that makes a pearl feel like jewelry. Surface markings are natural—most real pearls have them—but a weak glow is something we simply don’t accept.

Machines can sort pearls by size, but only the human eye can judge what makes one pearl truly glow. That’s why every strand and pair is checked by hand—by us.

What 5A Means to Us

Our 5A pearls are chosen for three uncompromising qualities:

Exceptional luster — the kind of glow you can see even in soft indoor light
Round (or very close to round) shape
Cleaner surfaces — minimal visible markings when worn

For earrings, we go even further. Sheiry pairs pearls not only by size and general tone, but also by their overtone—that “cloud of light” you see on the surface. They should be matched.

In short: 5A is our most demanding selection—made for customers who want the cleanest look and the strongest glow.

What 4A Means to Us

Our 4A pearls are still high-luster, hand-selected pearls—just with a more realistic balance.

High luster stays non-negotiable
Shape is more flexible — near-round, natural roundness, or softly organic depending on the piece
Surface is more forgiving — light natural markings may be present, especially at larger sizes

4A exists for one reason: we want more people to enjoy real, luminous pearls without pressure. When we introduced 4A, it wasn’t because our standards dropped—it was because we wanted our jewelry to stay more affordable while keeping the one thing that matters most: that living glow.

A Note on Larger Pearls (10mm and Above)

Larger pearls are more rare, and they naturally tend to have more surface textures — tiny pits, subtle growth lines, or small marks. Because of this, maintaining flawless 5A quality in over 10mm pearls is extremely difficult.

Also, pearl pricing climbs steeply with size — even a single millimeter can create a significant jump in value.

To give you a sense of scale: a true 5A which almost means perfect, 11–12mm strand would start at $1,500+, following market rarity.

Our prices are intentionally lower because we want larger pearls to remain accessible — so for these sizes, we hand-select the best-quality pearls within the price you paid.

If you are looking for large pearls with absolutely perfect surfaces, please email or DM us directly — we can select a fully matched set of top-grade single pearls and handcraft a high-end custom strand just for you.

Our Promise (The Simple Version)

We would rather sell less than ship something we don’t believe in.

If we don’t have pearls that match your order at our standard, we will contact you—and if needed, refund you—rather than sending a “close enough” piece.

FAQ

Will my pearls look exactly like the photos?

Not exactly—and that’s the beauty of real pearls. Each pearl has its own glow and character. Your piece may vary slightly in undertone or surface texture, but it will always match the same grade and standard described here.

Is 4A “lower quality”?

4A is not “cheap pearls.” It’s our high-luster selection with more flexibility in shape and natural markings—made so more people can enjoy real pearls comfortably.

Which grade should I choose?

If you want the cleanest look and the strongest glow, choose 5A. If you want high luster with better value and a slightly more natural character, choose 4A. If you’re unsure, send us a message—we’ll give you an honest recommendation.

Do you hand-pair earrings?

Yes. We match by eye, not by machine—size, tone, and the overtone (“cloud of light”) all matter to us, especially for studs.