| The first section of this article will briefly introduce | | | | applies to gemstone beads as well. Beads are |
| the ratings system for diamonds and precious | | | | generally rated with a lettering system A-C where |
| semi-precious gemstones. The second section will | | | | a rating of "A" is a higher quality bead than a |
| relate this to gemstone bead ratings; how the | | | | rating of "C". This system is often used to rate |
| systems are similar and different and what this | | | | other types of beads, such as glass crystals as |
| means to a designer of handcrafted gemstone | | | | well. In addition to hardness, other features are |
| jewelry. | | | | considered such as color, clarity and also the polish |
| Diamond and Gemstone Ratings | | | | (the quality of the finish). In addition, the quality of |
| There is a significant, rigid and reliable rating | | | | the hole drilling is important. Good quality beads will |
| system in place for diamonds and precious | | | | have symmetrical holes and the edges of the |
| gemstones that are sold in the context of fine | | | | holes will also be smooth, not jagged. With |
| jewelry. Typical precious gemstones include rubies, | | | | respect to size, it is generally true that the larger |
| sapphires, and emeralds. With respect to | | | | the bead, the more it costs, however this is not |
| diamonds, the ratings system takes into account | | | | always the case. It can be more difficult to polish |
| the four main properties of diamonds that are: 1) | | | | many tiny beads, thus some of the smaller beads |
| Carat, 2) Cut, 3) Color and 4) Clarity. Together | | | | can actually cost more. Since semi-precious |
| these are referred to as the "4 C's". Carat refers | | | | gemstone beads are often sold on temporary |
| to the weight/size of the diamond and the cut | | | | strands, another factor that is unique to buying |
| refers to whether the proportions of the cut | | | | beads is whether or not they are properly |
| stone result in the best sparkle. A colorless | | | | matched. The more similar in size the beads are, |
| diamond gets a higher rating than one with a | | | | the better the strand will be rated. |
| more yellow color and diamonds with few | | | | Unfortunately, not every bead manufacturer or |
| imperfections or "inclusions" in the stone are rated | | | | retailer uses this, already imperfect, system the |
| the best for clarity. These four C's can indicate | | | | same way. It is important to keep this in mind |
| the overall value of a diamond. | | | | when buying beads labeled AA or AAA. Beads |
| In the case of precious gemstones (rubies, | | | | that truly qualify for these ratings (and the price!) |
| emeralds, and sapphires) and semi-precious (all | | | | should have the following features: 1) attractive |
| other colored stones) the rating system is | | | | (or even rare) color, 2) translucent, clarity, 3) |
| somewhat different. Precious and semi-precious | | | | shiny, highly polished, 4) smooth symmetrical |
| gemstones vary in their "hardness" on a scale | | | | shape 5) evenly and completely drilled holes, and |
| from 1-10. The hardness refers to the ability of | | | | 5) accurate sizes. |
| the gemstone to be scratched by another | | | | There are many beads on the market that are |
| gemstone of a given hardness. Diamonds are the | | | | very nice and useful for jewelry making that do |
| hardest of all stones. Clarity is also an important | | | | not necessarily qualify for an "A" rating. Beads |
| factor in properly evaluating precious and | | | | with an "AB" rating or even a "B" rating are |
| semi-precious stones. In the case of translucent | | | | abundant on the market, and they serve a useful |
| gemstones, a lack of inclusions generally translates | | | | purpose as spacers or as a small component in |
| into a clear, sparkling gemstone, therefore | | | | jewelry where those beads are not necessarily |
| increasing its value. Many inclusions typically result | | | | the focus. The beads may have slightly |
| in a "milky" or dull look and likewise decrease a | | | | asymmetrical shapes or a more opaque |
| gemstone's value. Color can also play a factor in | | | | appearance. In some cases a bead reamer may |
| gemstone value in that a particular color is more | | | | be necessary to widen a hole that is incomplete. |
| rare, and is often more valuable as a result. For | | | | In conclusion, there are many similarities between |
| example, garnet comes in several different colors | | | | the rating systems for diamonds, for precious and |
| including red, burgundy, green and brown/amber. | | | | semi-precious gemstones used for making fine |
| The green garnet is typically a more expensive | | | | jewelry and the rating system for semi-precious |
| gemstone due to its rarity. | | | | gemstone beads. Many of the same factors are |
| Gemstone Bead Ratings | | | | considered, however there is a little less "rigor" in |
| Beads that are polished, drilled gemstones used | | | | the system when it comes to beads. As long as |
| for handcrafted jewelry are rated using a similar, | | | | the beader is aware of the factors, it will be |
| but a much simpler and less rigorous system. As | | | | possible to find a reliable source for high quality |
| described previously, the hardness of a gemstone | | | | gemstone beads. |
| plays a role in determining the overall value. This | | | | |