Turquoise is a popular gemstone that has been prized for thousands of years. It ranges in color from sky blue to greenish robin’s egg blue. The most valuable and coveted turquoise is of high quality with an intense blue color. This top grade of turquoise is referred to as “AAA grade.”
What are the criteria for AAA grade turquoise?
AAA grade is the highest standard for rating the quality of turquoise. For turquoise to be considered AAA grade, it must meet strict criteria involving the following factors:
Color
The premier sign of top quality turquoise is its color. To achieve AAA rating, turquoise must exhibit a strikingly intense and evenly distributed sky blue to blue-green hue. There should be no traces of green or gray. The color must be consistent throughout the stone with no blotches, spots or variations.
Clarity
AAA turquoise has excellent clarity and is essentially free of visible veins or matrix. Matrix refers to the veins of host rock, deposits or webbing seen running through lower grades of turquoise. A tiny bit of spiderwebbing matrix may be present in small areas but overall the turquoise will appear clean without unsightly markings.
Cut and Polish
Turquoise graded as AAA will have a smoothly polished surface and expert artistic cut. The polish will have a radiant luster showing off the stone’s rich color. The cut maximizes the color and beauty of the gem. Well-cut AAA turquoise has no visible pits, dents or other imperfections.
Carat Weight
Gemstones over 5 carats are rare, especially in AAA quality. Top grade turquoise exceeding 5 carats with evenly distributed deep blue color is extremely valuable and priced at a premium. These large stones allow the gem cutter to maximize color consistency.
Where does AAA grade turquoise come from?
All turquoise is original to mine locations, as there is no man-made or synthetic turquoise in existence. Only a select few mines in the Southwestern United States and other countries have produced turquoise considered of AAA standard. The most famous sources for top quality turquoise are:
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine, Arizona
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is legendary for its deep sky blue color running through the stones without matrix. Opened in the 1930s, the Sleeping Beauty Mine outside of Globe, Arizona was the first mine where turquoise was actively graded. Sleeping Beauty turquoise graces famous pieces of Native American jewelry and Americana jewelry from the mid 20th century. It remains one of the most coveted AAA grade turquoise.
Bisbee Turquoise Mine, Arizona
Bisbee turquoise was discovered as a byproduct of copper mining in Bisbee, Arizona in the 1870s. Bisbee turquoise ranges from sky blue to bluish-green and is noted for its hardness and high quality. Only about 5-10% of turquoise mined from Bisbee reached AAA quality. The Bisbee mine closed in the 1970s, making this rare turquoise highly valued among collectors.
Number 8 Turquoise Mine, Nevada
The Number 8 Mine in Lander County, Nevada produced distinctive turquoise in deep blue and green shades, noted for its narrow but well defined matrix veins. Operated in the 1970s, the Number 8 Mine yielded turquoise that has become some of the most sought after in the gem market, especially in the AAA grade.
Lone Mountain Turquoise Mine, Nevada
Lone Mountain is a classic Nevada mine outside of Tonopah that was a rich source of high grade turquoise between 1920-1930. Lone Mountain turquoise ranges from sky blue to deep blue-green. The turquoise has fine spiderwebbing matrix creating interesting patterns. AAA Lone Mountain turquoise is unusual and considered very collectible.
What factors affect the value of AAA turquoise?
AAA grade turquoise demands high prices, with value influenced by these criteria:
Color
More intensely and evenly blue turquoise has greater value. Dark “robin’s egg” blue is the most prized. Greenish hues are less desirable.
Source Mine
The most famous mine sources like Sleeping Beauty, Bisbee and Number 8 increase AAA turquoise value, especially if they are no longer in production. Provenance adds to collectibility.
Carat Weight
Larger stones are exponentially more rare and valuable. AAA turquoise over 5 carats can command prices over $1000 per carat.
Cut Quality
Top grade turquoise must be expertly cut to maximize color consistency and beauty. Superior gem cutting increases value.
Origin and History
Turquoise with documented history, such as antique Native American jewelry pieces, have added collectible value. Important jewelry and gem collections also increase worth.
| Factor | How It Increases Value |
|---|---|
| Color | More intense and consistent sky to robin’s egg blue |
| Source Mine | Famous mines like Sleeping Beauty or Bisbee that are depleted |
| Carat Weight | Stones over 5 carats |
| Cut Quality | Expert and artistic cutting |
| History | Vintage jewelry pieces, famous collections |
How much does AAA turquoise cost?
Due to scarcity, AAA quality turquoise commands high prices, especially in larger gemstones. Costs vary based on the value factors:
Color
More intensely blue turquoise costs more per carat. Greenish blue is lower cost. Prices range from:
– Sky blue: $50 – $300 per carat
– Robin’s egg blue: $300 – $600 per carat
– Dark blue: Over $600 per carat
Mine Source
AAA turquoise from the most coveted mines can be priced at a premium:
– Sleeping Beauty: Up to $1000 per carat
– Bisbee: Up to $700 per carat
– Number 8: Up to $500 per carat
Carat Size
Rarity greatly increases the value of larger AAA stones:
– 1 to 5 carats: $50 – $500 per carat
– 5 to 10 carats: $500 – $1200 per carat
– Over 10 carats: Over $1200 per carat
Unique or rare turquoise stones in AAA grade can sell for prices exceeding $10,000 per carat at auction or in exclusive jewelry stores.
| Carat Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 carats | $50 – $500 per carat |
| 5 to 10 carats | $500 – $1200 per carat |
| Over 10 carats | Over $1200 per carat |
How can you identify AAA turquoise?
It takes an expert gemologist to authenticate and grade AAA turquoise through methods including:
Visual Assessment
Inspecting color, clarity, cut and carat weight. AAA grade will show rare intensely blue color without matrix or veins.
Microscopic Analysis
Examining and photographing the turquoise under high magnification to analyze its structure and quality characteristics.
Spectrometer Analysis
Using a spectrometer device to measure the turquoise’s light absorption spectrum, verifying the authenticity of its chemical composition.
Specific Gravity Testing
Determining the turquoise’s specific gravity measurements, which indicate gemstone quality and identify the mine source.
Certification Report
Requesting evaluation and documentation of the turquoise from a respected gemological laboratory like the GIA. This certifies all quality factors.
Reputable gemologists have the expertise and technology to properly grade and value rare AAA turquoise. Always request proof of AAA certification when investing significant amounts in top grade turquoise.
What are some famous examples of AAA turquoise?
Some renowned pieces featuring supreme quality AAA turquoise include:
Tiffany & Co. Bisbee Butterfly Brooch
This brooch was designed in 1974 featuring five AAA grade natural Bisbee turquoise cabochons weighing over 150 carats. It sold at auction in 2019 for over $200,000.
Native American Squash Blossom Necklaces
Vintage Navajo squash blossom necklaces with nuggets of AAA grade Sleeping Beauty or Number 8 turquoise stones can be valued from $50,000 to over $100,000.
Cartier Number 8 Turquoise and Diamond Bracelet
This magnificent cuff set with 31 carats of rare AAA Number 8 turquoise and diamonds was sold at auction for $437,500.
Celebrity Gemstone Rings
Many A-list celebs like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie have been seen wearing huge natural turquoise cocktail rings likely featuring prized AAA grade stones.
Conclusion
AAA is the premier grade awarded only to the finest quality turquoise, handpicked for its intensely saturated blue color, clean clarity, artistic cutting and premium size. Natural untreated AAA grade turquoise is highly prized by collectors and commands prices starting in the hundreds per carat, with the most valuable and legendary stones worth up to $1000 per carat. Beautiful AAA turquoise set in high jewelry create some of the most valuable gemstone pieces in the world.