Grading the Stone There are several factors which commonly affect the grade of the stone, these are:
- Color – Blues are considered better than greens – deeper more intense colors are rarer.
- Pattern – A more distinct pattern with a lot of contrast to the background color is better.
- Luster - is it glossy or dull?
- Luminosity - does it seem to "glow" or have an inner light?
- Clarity - is it free of obvious defects? (Pits, cracks, host rock, carbon deposits, etc.)
- Translucence - can light pass thru a portion of the stone?
- Chatoyance - a luminous band with a silky luster (like that typical of cat's-eye).
There is no one particular factor that determines the grade; it is a combination all of them. The depth of color alone is not the most important factor; the pattern and luminosity may bring up the grade of a stone whose color may not be as deep as others. A brilliantly colored stone that shows host rock and is cracked will not be as good as a “clean” stone of lower color. A stone with an excellently defined pattern is sometimes the best of all.
What does the term AAA refer to?
The term "AAA Larimar" is often used to describe most Larimar products. In actuality, most larimar is not even close to AAA grade. It would be the equivalent of the salesman telling us that every diamond they have is flawless.
The stone is so rare and unusual that most people have no idea of the grades; this in turn enables most unscrupulous and unknowledgeable vendors to only sell “AAA” – the very best! Just like Diamonds very little of all jewelry grade stone is really AAA. This means that it has become more of a marketing term rather than a true grade.
How do I know the larimar I have is any good?
Unfortunately, you don’t. Seeing as there is no standardized scale for grading Larimar it is perhaps better to buy with the maxim “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Use general common sense and buy a piece that calls to you.
Some people prefer the very light blues, others prefer stones that tend towards the green. Some like a pure color, others prefer a heavy pattern. Generally, look for a piece with a good color and pattern. Make sure that is cut and polished well. Make sure that the stone “glows” and has a good shine. Check the surface of the stone to ensure that it is smooth and free from cracks. Make sure the setting is strong (many times the lower quality work uses glue) and really is sterling silver or 14K.
While true high quality larimar is not inexpensive, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good stone. Buy from a reputable dealer and try to choose in person – photographs and monitors do not often show true colors and they rarely show cracks or pitting (which are sometimes easier to feel than to see).
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