Understanding Sapphire Grades: A Comprehensive Guide

Question
Hello,
I have a 7x5mm, .90 ct. emerald cut sapphire. Color: fine- Dk.
Clarity: LF-1
Price per carat at the time of purchase in 1995 was $250.00. I paid $225.00 for it. It's now set into a 14k gold mounting.
What are the grades for sapphire, and how can I determine if this is a good stone or not?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Michael,

Who graded your sapphire with these terms?  I have not seen or heard them before.  What color is your sapphire?
Blue, pink, yellow, orange, green?  I am guess LF means lightly flawed. But again not a common term.
The purity of color, the brilliance, how well the stone is cut and the quality of polish is the general way to grade a stone.  

There are gemologists who grade stones and are up on current market prices.

I could give you some what of an opinion if you could send me a good close up picture, with good lighting with a decent camera.

Regards,
Steven D.Covey

sdcovey@msn.com