What does Midgrade/commercial quality mean?

[metro]

I''ve emailed JA about their ruby semi mount and got this response:

"The only additional information on the rubies is that they are what is called "A" quality, which is midgrade. Midgrade" is my term for commercial quality - better than you will find in any jewelry store!"

What does this mean?

 

[DiamondExpert]

It''s really impossible to know! Different folks (retailers/wholesalers) use different designations (some A, AA, AAA; others A and AA; still others something else) since there is no agreed scale/classification in the trade for color.

Color designations are all over the place, and this makes it difficult for everyone in the pipeline to understand what another is talking about unless you either know your source well or can see the stone for yourself...it''s buyer beware 24/7.

 

[metro]

Thank you for your reply, Gary. How interesting! I''m still just as confused as before, but thanks for the reply!

 

[chrono]

I really can''t tell you what their quality is. Stones designated as A, AA and AAA are graded by the individual vendors - they do not meet a standard that is recognized by the trade. Asking for an approximate GIA colour rating helps but not all vendors accept and follow this route.

If you are looking for a top quality stone with vivid colour, my guess is that this JA pair will not meet that requirement.

 

[CaptAubrey]

I don''t know what all that means either, but "commercial quality" to me means run-of-the-mill jewelry store stones, i.e., the average stuff on the market. For side stones, that''s typical.

 

[metro]

Thanks for your replies, Chrono and CaptAubrey!

I''m going to the diamond building (where WF is located) to see the JA rubies for myself. These particular rings are made here in Houston - who knew?! They are advertised on their site as "blood red" so we''ll see...

At this point, I''m only going by my eyes. Anything I should look for - beside color?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 2/27/2008 2:20:38 PM
Author: metro
Thanks for your replies, Chrono and CaptAubrey!

I''m going to the diamond building (where WF is located) to see the JA rubies for myself. These particular rings are made here in Houston - who knew?! They are advertised on their site as ''blood red'' so we''ll see...

At this point, I''m only going by my eyes. Anything I should look for - beside color?

thats the best way...
Iv seen some A rated rubies that were drop dead kicken and some that were just drop dead.
Same for AA and AAA... its nutz

 

[metro]

Date: 2/27/2008 5:43:30 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 2/27/2008 2:20:38 PM
Author: metro
Thanks for your replies, Chrono and CaptAubrey!

I''m going to the diamond building (where WF is located) to see the JA rubies for myself. These particular rings are made here in Houston - who knew?! They are advertised on their site as ''blood red'' so we''ll see...

At this point, I''m only going by my eyes. Anything I should look for - beside color?

thats the best way...
Iv seen some A rated rubies that were drop dead kicken and some that were just drop dead.
Same for AA and AAA... its nutz

Oh, strmrdr, you made me chuckle this morning.

I have an appointment to view the A-quality, which I was told were red, not pinkish, but red. I am also to see the AA-quality, which I was told would be a deeper red.

I''ll post how it all goes!

 

[jewelerman]

In my experiance commercial grade is a grade of gem stone that is available to the masses both in cost and quality.This material is a quality the is mined in larger quantity and more inexpensive because less is spent on attention to the cutting of the stones to retain as much of the rough stone as possible and to save on labor costs.Example...The dark inky colored sapphires that are poorly cut that are found in many jewelry stores from malls set in 10karat gold to conveince and department stores set in sterling with a gold plate over the top(vermail)

 

[metro]

Date: 2/28/2008 12:29:55 PM
Author: jewelerman
In my experiance commercial grade is a grade of gem stone that is available to the masses both in cost and quality.This material is a quality the is mined in larger quantity and more inexpensive because less is spent on attention to the cutting of the stones to retain as much of the rough stone as possible and to save on labor costs.Example...The dark inky colored sapphires that are poorly cut that are found in many jewelry stores from malls set in 10karat gold to conveince and department stores set in sterling with a gold plate over the top(vermail)

Thank you, Jewelerman.

I''m very interested to compare the grades with my eyes! My appointment is 2pm today!

 

[metro]

Well, after seeing the Grade A rubies, I can tell you, I wasn''t impressed with color. Though they were adverstied as blood red, they were pinkish, in my book.

I did see Grade AA rubies and those were MUCH better. Should I purchase my ruby sidestones from JA or DBD, I''m going to go with Grade AA.

I encourage anyone considering gemstones to see them for yourself if you can. What you see on the monitor is not always going to look the same in real life. But you all knew that, didn''t you

Side note: I wanted to mention that JA was very forthcoming in the color of the rubies. Dave told me they would be a little on the pink side, but that they could the get dark red rubies for me if I did not like the Grade A. James Allen has been great to work with and I praise them for their honest staff and and great customer service.

So after for my ruby right-hand ring...that project is on hold for the moment. Something bigger is in the work