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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
