Does HQ gear give a higher Item Level?

[Scotchio]

When checking item level, HQ gear shows as the same item level as the NQ gear.

But surely if you have crafted HQ gear it should show as a slightly higher item level?

[Lyrinn]

NQ and HQ have the exact same ilvl. HQ is so standard though that it doesn't really make sense to bump it up to i75.

[ispano]

Nope. Same ilvl.

[Scotchio]

Seems a bit weird. As I'm sure some HQ gear with decent materia attached can be better than Aetherial gear of a slightly higher ilevel.

[indira]

level is just how much stat it has at base. HQ is just that, a higher quality of that item. materia helps it get stronger.