First off, there is not yet a common international standard ranking system for pearl quality.

Originally, Hanadama was written as that means "Top Area of Quality Triangle".

The Kanji means edge, in this case, it meant Bow (top of ship) because quality triangle resembles bow.
means "Pearl"

Then, the Kanji was changed as with consideration for the image of Pearl.

means "Flower"

Hanadama is defined that the pearl which havs "Perfectly Round", "Very Thick Nacre", "Flawless, Very Strong Luster" and "Pink Overtone".

In this meaning, the appearance ratio of Hanadama is less than 3% of all of crops each year.

And Hanadama shold be untreated even drilling. It is no longer Hanadama once the pearl is drilled or done something treatment. (This is very important.)


Meanwhile, some of laboratories issue Hanadama Certificate.

They use the word Hanadama for the highest range by their own grading standard. And their Hanadama grades seem very wide. We are not sure about the accurate number, but possibly their Hanadama applies to more than 30% of all of the amount, not 3%.

Sometimes we can see a Pearl Necklace with Hanadama Certificate with the explanation that "Hanadama is just 3% of the crops!". Needless to say, it is wrong. Some people, even pearl sellers mix up Hanadama in original meaning with "Hanadama Certificate's Hanadama".

You will see Hanadama Pearls at almost all of pearl shops at common prices. This is one of the evidences that Hanadama Certificate's Hanadama is not 3% of the crops, rather many.

There is one important thing. Hanadama Certificate do not guarantee the pearls are Japanese Akoya.
In fact, there are a lot of Chinese Akoya and Vietnamese Akoya pearls with Hanadama Certificate in the market.

Also, in original meaning, there is a repugnance in "Hanadama Necklace" because Hanadama should be untreated and undrilled.

Considering above thing, when you about to buy "Hanadama Necklace" with Hanadama Certificate, do not compare only its "Price". Large differences of the prices may show the "Quality Differences".

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