Gemstone Grading Guide: Understanding Quality and Value

📊 Gemstone Grading Guide

Understanding quality and value. Learn the 4 Cs and grading systems. Expert guide from Queensland specialists.

📊 What You'll Learn

  • ✓ The 4 Cs of gemstone grading
  • ✓ Color grading systems
  • ✓ Clarity grades explained
  • ✓ Cut quality assessment
  • ✓ How grading affects value
  • ✓ Professional vs commercial grades

💎 The 4 Cs of Gemstones

🎨 Color (40%)

Most Important
Hue, saturation, tone
Vivid = highest grade
Pale/muddy = lower grade

💎 Clarity (30%)

Inclusion Visibility
Eye-clean = premium
Minor inclusions = good
Visible inclusions = lower

✂️ Cut (20%)

Proportions & Polish
Excellent symmetry = premium
Good proportions = good
Poor cut = lower value

⚖️ Carat (10%)

Weight/Size
Larger = rarer
Price per carat increases
Quality over size

🎨 Color Grading

Grade Description Value
AAA Vivid, pure hue, even saturation Premium (top 10%)
AA Good color, slight variations Fine (top 25%)
A Acceptable color, some zoning Commercial (top 50%)
B Pale or uneven color Budget grade

💎 Clarity Grades

  • IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions under 10x magnification - extremely rare
  • VVS (Very Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions, difficult to see under 10x
  • VS (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions visible under 10x
  • SI (Slightly Included): Noticeable under 10x, may be eye-visible
  • I (Included): Obvious inclusions, eye-visible, affects durability

💡 Pro Tip: Eye-clean (no visible inclusions to naked eye) offers best value. Browse our eye-clean gemstones.

❓ Grading Questions

What are the 4 Cs of gemstones?

The 4 Cs are Color (most important - 40%), Clarity (30%), Cut (20%), and Carat weight (10%). These factors determine gemstone quality and value.

What does AAA grade mean for gemstones?

AAA is the highest color grade - vivid saturation, pure hue, even tone. These are premium gemstones in the top 10% for color quality and command highest prices.

What clarity grade should I buy?

Eye-clean (VS to VVS grades) offers the best value - no visible inclusions to the naked eye but costs less than flawless. Avoid SI and I grades for engagement rings as inclusions may affect durability.

Does cut quality matter for colored gemstones?

Yes! Cut affects 20% of value. Well-cut stones maximize color and brilliance. Poor cuts show windowing (see-through areas) or extinction (dark areas) and reduce value by 30-50%.

How does grading affect gemstone price?

AAA grade stones cost 2-3x more than A grade. Eye-clean clarity adds 30-50% premium. Excellent cut adds 20-30%. Each grade improvement significantly increases price. See our pricing guide.

📊 Shop Graded Gemstones

All our gemstones are professionally graded with clear quality descriptions.

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