People always desire perfect pearls without any flaws. But making perfection is obviously not the goal of the Mother Nature. She wants to make the gift unique. In fact, the longer a pearl is in an oyster, the more possible it grows to be irregular and get blemish.

Flaws are not merely negative features of gems. They help us identify each pearl and prove that this pearl is real one and not imitation. They present the pearls’ unique beauty from nature. Pearls with flaws which don’t affect their overall beauty and durability but lower the price are much more worthy of having. Therefore, what we should have aren’t flawless ones, we just need to know what types of imperfections to avoid.
 Surface imperfections to avoid when choosing pearls
1. Cracks throughout the pearls
2. Patches of missing nacre
3. Prominent flaws on a single pearl
4. Obvious discolorations throughout the pearls
5. Blemishes which cover the majority of the surface of the pearl
GIA pearl description for luster
Clean: Pearls are blemish – free or contain minute surface characteristics that are very difficult to see by a trained observer.

Lighly blemished: Pearls show minor surface irregularities when examined by a trained observer.

Moderately blemished: Pearls show noticeable surface characteristics.

Heavily blemished: Pearls show obvious surface irregularities that might affect durability.