Diamond Grading & Authentication Standards

The ‘GEM MINT 10’ card is an outstanding overall presentation that is visually perfect to the naked eye. The characteristics will usually include a combination of 50/50 front centering, four sharp corners, flawless original edges and a surface gloss without blemish. Reverse centering may vary by paper quality and edge cut generational by card company and release. Manufacturer lines must fall within our internal tolerance for the specific set. Additional tolerances consist of 55/45 centering and slight touches of wear only under magnification.

A ‘MINT 9’ is an extraordinary overall condition card that presents a minor flaw in an area of centering, edges, corners or surface preventing the Gem Mint grade. This card usually contains the characteristics of the 10, centering within the standard of 55/45, sharp corners, flawless edge cut and full surface gloss. This card may have a slight print imperfection or speck of wear to a corner or factory chipped edge upon close inspection. Tolerances allow for back centering inconsistency, manufacturer print lines, or slight wear to a specific area within internal standards..

A ‘NM-MT 8’ is an above average condition card with the presentation of a MINT 9 but with only minor visible flaws holding back from the higher grade. The characteristics may include centering within 60/40, sharp corners with a touch of wear, edges with a speck of blemish or a surface gloss imperfection noticeable to the eye. Upon close inspection, this card may have a print line or defect, very minor scratches or specks of chipping.

A ‘NM 7’ is a card presenting exceptional overall eye appeal but displays noticeable flaws to even the untrained eye. The centering is tolerable within 70/30 on the front and/or 80/20 reverse, the potential of minor wear on multiple corners or edges and visible surface flaws or gloss imperfection. The condition may contain some but not all the possible characteristics of staining, discoloration, deep scratches, heavier chipping or a diamond cut.

An, ‘EX-MT 6’ is an above average eye appeal card with noticeable flaws in multiple categories. This card will display similar to a NEAR MINT 7 within centering tolerance and exhibit additional wear and/or fraying to corners and edges but not distracting from its overall presentation. The surface and picture quality may be out of focus and be missing partial original gloss/sheen. Corners and edges may contain some by not all the possible characteristics of staining, discoloration, deep scratches, heavier chipping or a diamond cut.

An ‘EX 5’ is considered to have an average eye appeal with flaws and noticeable damage within multiple categories. Centering allows within 80/20, corners will display fraying, edges may be discolored or off white, surface may be out of focus or miscolored with obvious print defects. This card may possess one or more issues of staining, scratching, dents/dings, heavy chipping and partial loss of original gloss.

A ‘VG-EX 4’ is a card showing significant wear and flaws but still presents an average eye appeal. Centering allows within an 85/15 front and 90/10 reverse, corners may be slightly rounded, edges may be more visibly damaged and discolored, surface may be out of focus or miscolored and have light creasing. This card is expected to possess multiple issues of staining, scratching, dents/dings, heavy chipping and partial loss of original gloss.

A ‘VG 3’ is a card displaying noticeable damage within multiple categories. Centering allows within 90/10 front and 100/0 reverse, corners may be rounded and/or aged, edges may be damaged and frayed with yellowing/discoloration, surface wear will be clearly apparent with issues of focus and print defect in addition to visible creasing and minimal paper loss. This card is expected to possess multiple issues of staining, scratching, dents/dings, heavy chipping and loss of original gloss.

A ‘GOOD 2’ is a card displaying accelerated damage within all graded categories. Centering allows within 95/5 front and 100/0 reverse, corners may be rounded and/or aged, edges may be damaged and frayed with yellowing/discoloration, surface wear will be obvious with issues of focus and print defect in addition to deeper creasing. This card is expected to possess multiple issues of staining, scratching, dents/dings, heavy chipping, paper loss and complete loss of original gloss.

A ‘POOR 1’ is a card that displays with extreme overall damage. Centering may be 100/0 or entirely miscut, corners may be heavily rounded, edges may have destructive chipping, surface damage will be severe with defects and multiple creases. A Poor graded card usually has missing pieces of cardstock and paper loss in addition to issues of staining, scratching, dents/dings/tears and complete loss of gloss.