When it comes to grading gemstones, the AAA grading system is one of the most commonly used systems to evaluate the quality of gemstones. The AAA grading system consists of three grades: A, AA, and AAA. Each grade corresponds to a different level of quality, with AAA being the highest grade and A being the lowest. In this post, we will take a closer look at how the AAA grading system works and how it applies to different gemstones.
AAA Grading System
The AAA grading system is used to grade the quality of various products, including gemstones. This system consists of three grades: A, AA, and AAA. Each grade corresponds to a different level of quality.
A Grade
The A grade is the lowest grade among the three grades in the AAA grading system. This grade indicates that the gemstone has some flaws or imperfections, but it is still functional and usable. In gemstones, A grade is usually the entry-level grade and is the most affordable option.
AA Grade
The AA grade is a higher grade than the A grade and signifies a gemstone of above-average quality. This grade indicates that the gemstone has fewer flaws, is more durable, and has a better finish than A-grade gemstones. AA-grade gemstones are usually more expensive than A-grade gemstones but are still affordable.
AAA Grade
The AAA grade is the highest grade among the three grades in the AAA grading system. This grade represents a gemstone of exceptional quality. AAA-grade gemstones are virtually flawless, have superior craftsmanship, and have a premium finish. AAA-grade gemstones are the most expensive and desirable. At Naki Tech we will use AAA stones %75 of the time. The other 25% AA’s will be used, but carefully curated for the best color and character.
Gemstones Graded on the AAA Scale
Now that we have a better understanding of the AAA grading system, let's take a look at some of the gemstones that are commonly graded using this system and how they are evaluated.
Morganite
Morganite is a variety of beryl that is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of morganite is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality morganite is pink with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Morganite with some inclusions, visible color zoning, or a pale, washed-out color.
- AA Grade: Morganite with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and a better cut.
- AAA Grade: Morganite that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense pink color.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz that is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of amethyst is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality amethyst is a deep, rich purple with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Amethyst with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor transparency.
- AA Grade: Amethyst with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better transparency.
- AAA Grade: Amethyst that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense purple color.
Citrine
Citrine is also a type of quartz that is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of citrine is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality citrine is a bright, pure yellow with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Citrine with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor transparency.
- AA Grade: Citrine with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better transparency.
- AAA Grade: Citrine that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has
Peridot
Peridot is a green-colored gemstone that is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of peridot is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality peridot is a vibrant, lime-green color with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Peridot with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor transparency.
- AA Grade: Peridot with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better transparency.
- AAA Grade: Peridot that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense green color.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare and valuable gemstone that changes color in different lighting conditions. It is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of alexandrite is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality alexandrite changes from green to red under different lighting conditions, with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Alexandrite with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor color change.
- AA Grade: Alexandrite with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better color change.
- AAA Grade: Alexandrite that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense color change.
Topaz
Topaz is a commonly found gemstone that is available in various colors, including blue, yellow, and pink. It is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of topaz is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality topaz has a pure, vivid color with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Topaz with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor transparency.
- AA Grade: Topaz with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better transparency.
- AAA Grade: Topaz that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense color.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue-green colored gemstone that is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of aquamarine is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality aquamarine is a pure, vivid blue with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Aquamarine with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor transparency.
- AA Grade: Aquamarine with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better transparency.
- AAA Grade: Aquamarine that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense blue color.
Opal
Opal is a unique gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and red. It is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The quality of opal is evaluated based on its color, pattern, and clarity. The best-quality opal has a vivid, bright color with a unique and attractive pattern.
- A Grade: Opal with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or a weak pattern.
- AA Grade: Opal with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and a better pattern.
- AAA Grade: Opal that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense color with a unique and attractive pattern.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone that is only found in Tanzania. It is known for its deep blue color, with purple and violet undertones. It is commonly graded using the AAA grading system. The color of tanzanite is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The best-quality tanzanite has a deep, vivid blue color with a medium tone and saturation.
- A Grade: Tanzanite with some inclusions, a pale, washed-out color, or poor transparency.
- AA Grade: Tanzanite with fewer inclusions, a more uniform color, and better transparency.
- AAA Grade: Tanzanite that is virtually flawless, has a superior cut, and has a premium, intense blue color.
It's important to note that tanzanite can also display a brownish-yellow color when viewed from certain angles. This is known as the "pleochroic" effect, and it can affect the overall grade of the gemstone. The best-quality tanzanite will have minimal to no pleochroism, and will display a consistent, deep blue color from all angles.
The Ending
The AAA grading system is a useful tool for evaluating the quality of gemstones. Whether you're purchasing a morganite engagement ring or an alexandrite pendant, understanding the AAA grading system can help you make an informed decision. Remember, the highest-grade gemstones are the most expensive and desirable, but there are still beautiful and affordable options available in the AA and SOMETIMES A grades. At Naki Tech we use AAA and some AA, Whatever your preference, you will receive a product to cherish for years.