Replacing subjective commercial jargon with reproducible crystallographic parameters across clarity, chromatic saturation, internal inclusion aesthetics, lapidary geometry, and matrix durability[cite: 7].
Measures internal luminous transmittance and light scatter[cite: 8]. Graded from Eye Clean Plus (EC+) down to Moderately Included (MI), auditing micro-veils and fluid cavities[cite: 7].
Quantifies chromatic hue, tone depth, and natural color zoning[cite: 7]. Evaluated from Vivid (VV) and Intense (IN) to Medium (MD) and Light (LT) under D65 daylight illuminants[cite: 7].
Evaluates geological mineral guests (phantom growth planes, lodolite chlorite landscapes, tourmaline blades) across spatial orientation, density, and contrast[cite: 7, 8].
Audits optical symmetry, facet junction crispness, critical angle calibration, and surface mirror luster on bead drillholes and cabochons.
Mandatory structural screening inspecting drill channel fractures, native host attachments, and chemical polymer impregnation (resins)[cite: 7].
The composite 100-point scoring algorithm translated into international trade tiers[cite: 7].
| TIER LEVEL | RATING DESIGNATION | 4C+1I TECHNICAL PARAMETERS | COMMERCIAL STANDING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (EX)[cite: 7] | Pinnacle Collector 95–100 Points[cite: 7] |
C1: EC+ / EC Eye Clean[cite: 7] C2: Vivid (VV) saturation[cite: 7] C3: Master inclusion geometry (M-INC)[cite: 7] Craft: Flawless optical mirror polish[cite: 7] |
Investment-grade specimen, high jewelry centerpieces, and international auctions[cite: 7]. |
| Tier 2 (VG)[cite: 7] | Fine Bespoke Jewelry 85–94 Points[cite: 7] |
C1: EC to Slight Inclusions (SI)[cite: 7] C2: Intense (IN) tone[cite: 7] C3: Premium inclusion aesthetic (P-INC)[cite: 7] Craft: Precision critical-angle faceting[cite: 7] |
Luxury boutique flagships, custom designer jewelry, and private collector vaults[cite: 7]. |
| Tier 3 (G)[cite: 7] | Standard Commercial 75–84 Points[cite: 7] |
C1: SI to Moderate Inclusions (MI)[cite: 7] C2: Medium (MD) commercial color[cite: 7] C3: Standard array (S-INC)[cite: 7] Craft: Standard calibrated commercial cut[cite: 7] |
Global commercial retail volume across CABCS merchant networks[cite: 7]. |
| Tier 4 (ST)[cite: 7] | Decorative / Accessory 60–74 Points[cite: 7] |
C1: Translucent to Semi-Opaque[cite: 7] C2: Light (LT) saturation[cite: 7] C3: Dense clouds or fractures[cite: 7] Craft: Mass-production bead polish[cite: 7] |
Fashion accessories, raw carving material, and entry-level interior decor[cite: 7]. |
Every CCGS certificate explicitly states physical and chemical intervention codes[cite: 6, 7]. Severe alterations trigger automatic rating circuit breakers[cite: 7].
Natural[cite: 6, 7]
100% natural crystallization[cite: 6, 7]. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy verify absolute absence of resin impregnation, dyes, or thermal alterations[cite: 6, 7]. Full eligibility for Tier 1 and Tier 2[cite: 7].
Accepted[cite: 6, 7]
Controlled thermal conversion of color centers (e.g. amethyst heated to golden citrine)[cite: 6, 7]. Fully recognized under commercial standards with mandatory certificate disclosure[cite: 7].
Disclosed[cite: 6, 7]
Gamma or electron-beam irradiation inducing dark color centers (smoky or green quartz)[cite: 6, 7]. Requires mandatory post-treatment radiation safety clearance before release[cite: 6, 7].
Circuit Breaker[cite: 6, 7]
Epoxy or polymer injection sealing surface fractures[cite: 6, 7]. Automatically triggers a rating circuit breaker: the maximum allowable CCGS grade is strictly capped at Tier 3[cite: 6, 7].
Every CCGS certificate is backed by accredited scientific laboratories and anchored to the permanent digital twin registry[cite: 7].
Only accredited OA-LAB facilities equipped with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, confocal micro-Raman setups, and EDXRF elemental analyzers are authorized to issue official CCGS certificates[cite: 7]. All testing personnel hold active PCAS credentials[cite: 2, 5].
Physical gemstones are registered onto cert.icia.uk via the IGSTS framework[cite: 7, 8]. By indexing 3D surface topography meshes and internal inclusion spatial coordinates, certificate forgery and specimen switching are rendered mathematically impossible[cite: 7, 8].
Access the global ICIA digital twin registry to inspect certificate validity, raw spectral plots, and selling merchant escrow protection status[cite: 7].