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Gemstone Ratings Explained
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

Some sites advertise gemstones or pieces of jewelry with "A" ratings, i.e., "A", "AA", or "AAA". Is "A" better quality than "AA"?
Instructions
Answer:

Gemstone ratings are as follows:
AAA = exceptional stone with excellent color, great cut resulting in lots of light getting through and the top rating for precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
AA = top quality stone, great color, little if any visible inclusions and usually the best rating for semi-precious stones like citrine, amethyst and garnet.
A = good quality stone that has very few inclusions, good color, transparent and has a nice cut that lets light through to sparkle.
B = ok but not top color, still transparent stone with light inclusions.
C = usually not consistent color throughout the stone, inclusions are visible to the naked eye and stone is not as transparent so it doesn't sparkle much.
D = low value stone with major visible inclusions and usually rather dull as they are less translucent.

Jewelry is usually rated according to the stones it is made with/of.

To see what other enhancement codes mean, see our AGTA guide:
American Gem Trade Association Enhancement Codes

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Design

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