You are reading this article because you love jewelry. So do I. And whether you are a collector or a designer, you will always deal with the need to source the most beautiful gemstone beads and gems that you are able to afford. So let’s consider exactly what goes into how you value these beads and gems. It’s all about the “Quality Decision.”
Every bead or gem we buy has a price, and ideally, this price should reflect the level of quality of the item. In fact, in the marketplace gemstone beads are graded based on fairly universal traits that determine how beautiful and naturally presented they are: The best Grade A beads have superior shine and color and almost no detracting internal characteristics; second level Grade B beads are also pleasing to the eye, but are slightly less vivid in color and may show small internal characteristics; the lower level Grade C beads are less saturated in color and prone to show internal characteristics and natural feathering.
While it is obvious a collector wants the best quality available, sometimes jewelry makers and designers are swayed by a low price point and lose sight of other, equally important variables that should guide their “quality decision.” Is the line of bead you are considering handmade or machine made? Handmade beads will cost more and usually present better details of “make” such as symmetry, faceting and polish. Equally important, how lasting are the jewelry made from these beads and gems? Nearly all jewelry consumers respond to the intrinsic value of gem-quality beads versus “common bead grade” gemstones. Low-quality pieces are less likely to be treasured and protected. Do you want this jewelry passed down from generation to generation, or just used one season?
Another part of the quality decision is how much you are affected by the marketing of the bead line. Great looking websites and eye-catching prices can divert your attention from the true quality of the item. You can quickly find yourself paying too much for machine made beads or low-grade gems because they are presented in a way that minimizes detracting characteristics and misleads you about depth of color.
The best bead providers are those that stand behind every purchase with a guarantee of quality, have a clear-cut return policy and have knowledgeable customer service specialists available to answer questions in real time.
I hope learning these facets of the quality decision process will help guide you in acquiring beautiful beads every time you order.
Arun Yadav
Beads of Cambay Team
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