Spacer Beads

What should I look for when buying amethyst?

Tiffany is much more expensive than some of the choices in line for a pair of similar looking amethyst earrings. Is the money in the stud? Or are there really different grades and clarity, like a diamond?

There are four Cs in every precious stone - Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. Http://www.gemsociety.org/info/igem20.htm This is a detailed guide to the classification of rocks valuable. Best of wishes, Andrew G.