Trade terms can refer to color or geographic origin in a non-objective way. Which statement is accurate?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. They refer only to carat weight.
• D. They are standardized by all labs.

Answer: (A)

In the gem trade, color descriptors and geographic origin labels are used as descriptions and marketing terms, but they aren’t fixed, universally objective standards. Color perception is highly subjective: how a color looks can change with lighting, background, and who is judging it, so terms like “fancy blue” or “warm pink” can vary between sellers. Geographic origin labels are also often non-definitive—stones can originate from multiple places, and provenance claims may reflect marketing choices or traditional labeling rather than verifiable proof. Because of these subjective aspects, it’s accurate to say trade terms can refer to color or geographic origin in a non-objective way.