Grading System Used on This Site:

F- Fine- No flaws or inclusions visible to the naked eye.
A- Flaws visible to the naked eye, but do not detract from the brilliance of the stone.
B- Flaws visible to the naked eye, may detract from the  brilliance of the stone.
C - Many flaws & inclusions.

Note: B & C quality rough is often cut into cabochons or  slices. If it was Fine or A quality it most likely would be faceted. There are exceptions.

Exceptions to the above:

Emeralds-Emeralds are seldom found in flawless or even near flawless condition. Indeed, much effort has been expended  in finding ways to hide flaws in emeralds. These include, but are not limited to, oiling, waxing or filling with epoxies. We at Gary's Gold & Silver avoid  stones treated in this way as it is an attempt to hide factors that determine  the value of the stone.

Bicolor/tricolor Tourmaline-Multi-colored  tourmalines that have no visible flaws are extremely rare. Often times one of the colors will have no or very few/small flaws visible to the naked eye, but  the other color(s) will not be so clean. Many have flaws visible  throughout.

The following system will be used for  Multi-colored Tourmaline:

F-Fine. Few flaws or inclusions visible to the naked eye. Only slightly interfere with the brilliance of the stone.
A-More flaws. Less brilliance.
B-Many flaws. Still reasonable brilliance.
C-Brilliance inhibited.

Cabochon Grading:
Cabochons are generally cut from lower grade gem material. Being worth substanially less money than faceted stones, any rough  that will cut high grade faceted stones is used in that way. If the rough material will only cut lower grade faceted stones or very small stones, it may be cut into cabochons. Sometimes a few inclusions actually give the cab. more  sparkle than less.

F-Fine. Few flaws or inclusions visible to the naked eye. May slightly interfere with the brilliance of the stone.
A-More flaws.
B-Many flaws.
C-Very many flaws.

Remember, your satisfaction is guaranteed! See  details.

copyright 2007     Gary’s Gold & Silver     all rights reserved.