GradingJun 16, 2022
GIA to Close Antwerp Lab Next MonthGradingJun 23, 2022
AIGS Launches Grading Report for ‘Santa Maria’ Aquamarine
The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences aims to set a color standard for the trade name.
According to AIGS, these aquamarine stones are the typical color of those labeled “Santa Maria” (Image courtesy AIGS)
Bangkok—Following its launch of grading reports for “jedi” spinel, the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) has done the same for a specific aquamarine trade name.
The institute has rolled out a color code for the “Santa Maria” label as well as grading reports.
“Santa Maria” originated from the color of aquamarine that came from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The mine produced aquamarine considered to be among the best in terms of color—a saturated blue—but is now almost depleted.
Some in the trade now refer to stones with such color as “Santa Maria,” regardless of their origin.
To define which stones should receive such a label, AIGS created a “Santa Maria” color code, which defines according to color—hue, saturation, and tone—and even clarity. It does not define by geographic origin.
See: The AIGS “Santa Maria” Report and Color Code
The institute has rolled out a color code for the “Santa Maria” label as well as grading reports.
“Santa Maria” originated from the color of aquamarine that came from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The mine produced aquamarine considered to be among the best in terms of color—a saturated blue—but is now almost depleted.
Some in the trade now refer to stones with such color as “Santa Maria,” regardless of their origin.
To define which stones should receive such a label, AIGS created a “Santa Maria” color code, which defines according to color—hue, saturation, and tone—and even clarity. It does not define by geographic origin.
See: The AIGS “Santa Maria” Report and Color Code
The AIGS Santa Maria Aquamarine color reference, denoting which saturations they believe fall under the trade name (Image courtesy AIGS)
A sample of the AIGS Santa Maria aquamarine grading report (Image courtesy AIGS)
The Institute said its color code applies the name “Santa Maria” to the aquamarine variety of beryl that has blue color and medium saturation without brown or yellow tints.
Those with low saturation, low clarity, and dark tones do not meet the criteria to be called Santa Maria, it added. Neither does aquamarine with low clarity.
For those that do have all the right criteria, AIGS will indicate the stone qualifies as a “Santa Maria” type of aquamarine in its gemstone identification reports.
“The launch of the Santa Maria color code is yet another important initiative after launching our Jedi spinel reports last October,” said Kennedy Ho, Chairman of AIGS.
“Trade names such as pigeon blood and royal blue have been used for centuries by gem traders to describe ideal colors implying value and rarity. Yet these trade names are often ambiguous with definitions varying between buyers and sellers alike. By transforming trade names into an industry standard through reports graded by third-party objectivity, AIGS aims to reduce such ambiguity.”
More on Grading
The Latest
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
