How to Read Our Ruby & Pink Sapphire Grading Code — A Simple Guide for Buyers
Buying a gemstone should feel exciting — not confusing. At Lala’s Sons Gems we use a clear, visual grading code (shown above) to describe two of the most important things about a ruby or pink sapphire: Color and Clarity. This blog explains that code in plain language so you can choose the right stone with confidence.
The two things that matter most
When evaluating red and pink gemstones, the two primary attributes that determine look and value are:
Color — the hue, tone and saturation (how red/pink and how vivid the color is).
Clarity — how clear the stone is (the presence or absence of internal inclusions or cloudiness).
Both are shown in the image above. Read them left → right.
Color Grade (A → F)
Our color grade uses letters A through F. Think of this as a sliding scale from the deepest red to the palest pink:
A — Deep Red
Very dark, rich red. Classic “ruby” color. Strong presence and depth.
B — Pigeon Blood Red
The highly prized “pigeon blood” tone — vivid, slightly brighter than deep red with excellent saturation.
C — Vivid Red
Bright, vivid red. Very eye-catching without being too dark.
D — Pinkish Red
A red with a noticeable pink tone. Still very attractive and lively.
E — Hot Pink
More pink than red; bright and energetic.
F — Soft Pink
Pale pink tone; softer, subtler look.
How color affects value and use: deeper, vivid reds (A–C) usually command higher prices and are seen as classic rubies. Pinkish tones (D–F) are often less expensive but popular for contemporary jewelry and pastel styles.
Clarity Grade (1 → 7)
Clarity shows how transparent and inclusion-free the stone is. Our scale goes from 1 (best) to 7 (opaque):
1. Excellent Clarity — Very clean to the eye; minimal or no visible inclusions. Bright brilliance.
2. Fine Clarity — Minor inclusions, hard to spot without magnification. Great sparkle.
3. Very Good Clarity — Small, easily overlooked inclusions; still attractive.
4. Good Clarity — Inclusions are visible under close inspection but don’t dominate the stone.
5. Fair Clarity — Noticeable inclusions that slightly affect brilliance.
6. Highly Included — Inclusions clearly visible and affecting transparency and color transmission.
7. Opaque — Little to no transparency; surface appearance may be strong but internal light return is limited.
⭐ Important Note on Grading Consistency
Gemstone grading always involves expert judgment, but our system is designed to stay highly consistent. If one grader marks a stone as B/2, another qualified grader may differ by only one color grade—never more.
That means a stone graded B will always fall either one step above (A) or one step below (C), but never both.
If the second grader thinks the color is slightly deeper, they may mark it A—but then it can never be considered C.
If they feel the color leans slightly lighter, they may mark it C—but then it can never be considered A.
In simple terms, every stone always stays within a one-grade band:
A ↔ B, B ↔ C, C ↔ D, and so on.
This ensures stable, fair, and transparent grading with no major fluctuations between experts.
Practical tip: Many buyers prefer clarity 1–3 for rings and fine jewelry where light return and brilliance matter most. For pendants or fashion pieces, clarity 4–6 can be a cost-effective and beautiful option.
How to read the full code for a stone
When you see a stone labeled like B / 2, it means:
Color B — Pigeon Blood Red (very desirable color), and
Clarity 2 — Fine Clarity (very clean).
So B/2 is an example of a high-quality, visually impressive stone.
Choosing the right grade for you
Consider these points when making a decision:
1. Purpose of the jewelry
Engagement ring or heirloom: aim for A–C color and clarity 1–3.
Daily wear ring: balance durability and clarity — avoid extremely included stones (6–7).
Fashion or occasional-wear pendant: D–F color and clarity 3–5 can be beautiful and budget-friendly.
2. Budget
Color has the biggest impact on price. Moving from vivid red to pink often lowers cost more than small clarity differences.
If budget is limited, pick a better color and accept slightly lower clarity — color usually shows more to the eye.
3. Size
In larger stones inclusions become more obvious; for bigger gems prefer better clarity.
4. Setting
Some settings (closed-back, or certain metal colors) can enhance color or hide minor inclusions. Discuss setting options with us.
Care & maintenance — keep it beautiful
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners for very included stones.
Clean with mild soap, warm water and a soft brush.
Store separately to avoid scratching.
Have prongs and settings checked regularly if worn daily.
Certification & honesty
We recommend buying gemstones with a proper certificate (lab report) when possible — it verifies weight, origin (if applicable), treatments, color and clarity grades. At Lala’s Sons Gems we provide honest, photographed records and will help you understand any certification that comes with your stone.
Quick Buying Checklist
Decide purpose (daily wear / special / investment)
Pick preferred color range (A–C for classic red, D–F for pinks)
Choose clarity based on size and budget (1–3 for sparkle; 4–6 for savings)
Ask for certification or clear photos with magnification
Choose the setting to complement color and hide minor inclusions if needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which is more important — color or clarity?
A: Color usually has the larger visual impact. A vivid color with minor inclusions often looks better than a pale stone with excellent clarity.
Q: Will inclusions make my stone weak?
A: Large fractures can weaken a stone. Most common inclusions are harmless but ask us to point out anything that affects durability.
Q: Is “pigeon blood” always better?
A: It is highly desirable and often more expensive, but personal taste matters — some prefer brighter pinks or softer tones.
Need help choosing?
If you’re unsure which grade suits your budget and taste, we’re here to help. Tell us the jewelry type, your budget, and whether you prefer deep red or pink — we’ll suggest the best options from our current stock and send comp
arison images so you can see exactly what you’ll get.
Thank you for trusting Lala’s Sons Gems. We want every customer to buy with clarity — in knowledge and in their gemstone. 💎
