Super Gemmy Strands

Frequently asked questions

• What does 'super gemmy' mean on a Dakota strand?

  Super gemmy describes the clearest, most saturated material we stock in a given variety — high transparency where the species allows it, strong even color, clean faceting, and tight calibration bead-to-bead. The bar is relative to the stone: a super gemmy Aquamarine reads watery and bright, while a super gemmy Turquoise reads dense, even blue with controlled matrix. It is a clarity-and-cut descriptor, not a treatment claim or a lab grade. Specifics — origin, exact size range, treatment, and matrix character — should appear on the individual listing. Ask before buying if any of those details aren't specified for the strand you're considering.
• What stones show up most in this selection?

  Turquoise leads the hub, with Sonoran Turquoise broken out separately. Opal, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond are well-represented in microfaceted rondelles and smaller rounds. Aquamarine, Moonstone, Labradorite, and Amethyst round out the colored-stone side. Cuts skew toward faceted rondelle, rondelle, and round, with teardrops, ovals, cubes, and pebble/nugget shapes filling in. Sizes run small — 3mm, 3–4mm, 3–6mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8–9mm are the most common tags — which is typical for high-clarity faceted material. Use the stone and cut filters to narrow to a specific variety or shape.
• How tightly calibrated and matched are these strands?

  Faceted rondelles and rounds in this hub are calibrated to a tagged size or range — 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8–9mm, and so on — with bead-to-bead variation tight enough for symmetrical designs. Color and clarity are matched within the strand more closely than in the standard faceted catalog, which is part of what puts a strand here. Pebble, nugget, and chip cuts are not calibrated by nature; they're included when the material itself is high-clarity. Exact strand length, bead count, and drill size should be disclosed — confirm before buying if your design needs a specific count.
• How is this different from the standard faceted catalog?

  The standard faceted catalog covers the full range of color and clarity Dakota stocks for each variety — useful when matrix, included material, or mixed-tone strands fit the design. Super Gemmy is a narrower cut of the same catalog: strands pulled for top clarity, strongest saturation, and tightest calibration in their species. Expect smaller average bead sizes, since high-clarity rough is more often cut into 3–6mm rondelles than large rounds. Pricing reflects the material, not a tier label. If you want the variety but not the clarity bar, the main stone collection will have more options at a wider range of price points.
• What treatments are common on high-clarity faceted material?

  High-clarity strands often involve treatment — it's standard trade practice and not a defect. Sapphire and Ruby are commonly heat-treated to stabilize color. Turquoise is frequently stabilized to hold up to drilling and wear; natural undyed material is less common and usually labeled as such. Opal may be impregnated or left untreated depending on type. Aquamarine is routinely heated. Emerald, when present, is typically oiled. Treatment should appear on the individual listing — ask before buying if it isn't specified, especially if you're disclosing to retail customers under FTC guidelines.