Natural, Cultured, Composite and Imitation Pearls – Terminology and Classification

South sea pearls wholesale Natural, Cultured, Composite and Imitation Pearls – Terminology and Classification (nomenclature) 1. Scope The terminology and classification (nomenclature) for pearls (5.118), cultured pearls (5.48), composites (5.42) and imitation pearls (5.84) are established with reference to commercial usage and are in conformity with the practices of the international natural, cultured and imitation pearl trade. The terminology and classifications (nomenclature) of natural, cultured and imitation pearls as set out herein shall be used by all traders participating as members of CIBJO member organizations within all member nations. NOTE – CIBJO recognises that its standards are subject to government regulations in the respective jurisdiction of CIBJO members. 2. Normative references The Diamond Book, CIBJO, International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones), the World Jewellery Confederation, S.S. Del Sempione KM.28 20017 RHO Milano, Italy. cibjo@cibjo.org The Gemstone Book, CIBJO (International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones), the World Jewellery Confederation, S.S. Del Sempione KM.28 20017 RHO Milano, Italy. cibjo@cibjo.org Golden South sea pearls wholesale The Precious Metal Book, CIBJO (International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones), the World Jewellery Confederation, S.S. Del Sempione KM.28 20017 RHO Milano, Italy. cibjo@cibjo.org The Gemmological Laboratory Book, A Guide for the Management and Technical Operations of Gemmological Laboratories, CIBJO (International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones), the World Jewellery Confederation, S.S. Del Sempione KM.28 20017 RHO Milano, Italy. cibjo@cibjo.org Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Appendices I, II and III valid from 22 May 2009. International Environment House • Chemin des Anémones • CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland, info@cites.org. 3. Pearl Categories The jewellery industry and trade shall recognize four categories of pearl: (a) The rare natural pearls (5.118) that are produced naturally by various saltwater (bi-valve and univalve) and freshwater molluscs. (b) Cultured pearls (5.48) which may encompass both nacreous (5.113) and non-nacreous (5.122) and a wide range of beaded or non-beaded products. These may be further subdivided into (i) freshwater cultured pearls that are available in considerable quantities and wide range of values, and the less plentiful (ii) saltwater cultured pearls. Cultured pearls that have not been treated by e.g. bleaching may be considered uncommon. (c) Composite cultured pearls (5.42), and Mutiara Lombok and Miss Joaquim Pearls (d) The common imitation pearls (5.84). For each category the following clauses shall apply.