| Customers ordering multiple items will pay full shipping on the item with the highest posted rate in their order, and will receive $2.95 off the posted shipping rate for each additional item (which works out to $1.00 S/H for additional items with a $3.95 shipping rate). We also offer lower S/H rates if purchasing multiple items in the same listing; please check each listing for those lower rates. S/H cost is a flat rate to CANADA and USA. We will combine purchases for a period of 14 days however to qualify for combined S/H discounts ALL items must be paid for within the same invoice. Further S/H discounts will apply to large volume purchases. S/H is usually a flat rate to International locations. Those items where the rate is not listed must be treated on a case by case basis and customers should contact us for the rate to their specific location. All questions are always welcomed. |
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Gemstone Bead Grading |
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This information page describes the basics of the Gemstone Bead Grading System used by Northern
Stones.
Each bead strand is assigned a letter grade ranging from A to D. At times a plus (+) or minus (-) symbol
is used to distinguish strands that are higher or lower in quality within its letter grade. The charts below
describe the characteristics of each grade, and show pictures of Natural Lapis Lazuli Round Beads in
different grades.
Note: The (A Grade) section goes into greater detail because the tolerances governing it are more strict
than within the other grades.
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below: (A Grade)
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below: (B Grade)
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above: (C Grade)
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above: (D Grade)
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(A Grade)
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The (A+ Grade) is only given to superior bead strands in which every bead on the strand is
flawless according to the following criteria. (A Grade) strands are very excellent, and may include only
very few minor flaws. (A- Grade) strands are excellent overall, but with more allowable flaws.
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Colour
(A+ Grade) beads will be of the most desirable
colours within their gemstone family, and each bead
on the strand will be exactly the same colour and
shade. (A and A- Grade) beads' colour, shade, and
consistency stray very little from (A+ Grade).
Stones with dye colour enhancements will not make
an (A Grade) rating, even if all other aspects of the
stone are perfect.
Surface and Shape
Surface and shape are flawless on (A+ Grade)
beads, and every bead on the strand is the same
shape. The surface and shape of (A Grade) and (A-
Grade) are excellent and very uniform, with only
very small irregularities allowable.
Polish
Polish is mirror-perfect on (A+ Grade) strands, and
will have an overall excellent shine with slight
imperfections in (A and A- Grades). The polish will
not be enhanced with the use of waxes or coatings
(with the exception of Turquoise in which a
stabilizing agent assists the polish).
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Inclusions
There are no undesirable inclusions in (A+
Grade), while (A and A- Grade) may have some
small, stable inclusions. (A+ Grade) beads will
have no internal fractures of any kind; and (A and
A- Grades) may have tiny natural fractures which
are completely stable without having to be glued
or artificially enhanced (Turquoise is one of the
rare exceptions where it is acceptable to add a
stabilizing agent to the stone and maintain an (A
Grade) status).
Bead Size
Every bead on an (A+ Grade) strand is the same
size (with the exception of graduated strands),
and bead size is very consistent on (A and A-
Grades). As the bead size gets larger (6mm,
10mm, 14mm... etc..) , perfect gemstone material
of large enough scale becomes increasingly rare,
and heightens the value of the beads.
Drill Hole
The drill hole on (A+ Grade) strands will be
perfectly aligned and formed, and there will be no
erosion between neighbouring beads. (A and A-
Grade) beads will have excellent drill hole
alignment and form, and there may be some
minimal erosion between neighbouring beads
(which appears as a frosting in the polish where
the beads touch).
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| (B Grade)
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Colour
(B Grade) bead strands will be of desirable
colours, and may include artificial enhancements
such as dying. Though the colour on an individual
bead may not be uniform, the complete strand will
have a uniform appearance.
Surface and Shape
The shape is very good, with only small variances.
The surface may have small natural marks such as
voids or fissures, or tiny tool marks.
Polish
The polish is very good, but usually not as bright
as (A Grade).
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Inclusions
(B Grade) beads usually have inclusions present,
though not such that compromise the structural
integrity of the stone.
Bead Size
The bead size will be fairly consistent per strand,
with minimal differences in size allowable.
Drill Hole
The drill holes are fairly well aligned and formed.
Some erosion around the drill holes is usually
present (caused when the beads rub together on the
strand).
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( C Grade)
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Colour
( C Grade) bead strands may be of any colour, either
natural or dyed. Strands may not be a consistent shade.
Surface and Shape
The surface may include any number of flaws,
including chips, cracks, tool marks, pitting, etc. The
shape will include irregularities and/or mis-cuts.
Polish
The polish can range from somewhat shiny to dull.
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Inclusions
The beads will have a variety of inclusions,
from foreign minerals to natural cracks, which
may weaken some of the beads. Broken beads
are common with ( C Grade), but not
necessarily present.
Bead Size
The bead size will be inconsistent per strand,
with large differences in size allowable.
Drill Hole
The drill holes can be fairly inaccurate, with
poor alignment between beads. Erosion
between beads is almost always present. Some
beads may have mis-drilled holes, or multiple
holes.
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| (D Grade)
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Of the above criteria, (D Grade) will have the most undesirable characteristics to connoisseurs of
gemstones and jewellery. Some people, however, prefer (D Grade) because of its natural or earthy
appearance. Within this grade you can expect a dull finish, many inclusions, very misshapen beads,
very inconsistent bead size, nonuniform colour, broken beads, and any variety of natural or unnatural
deformations.
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