Clarity is a significant factor in assessing the value of gemstones. Many contemporary gem vendors categorize gem clarity into three broad categories:
Common Gem Clarity Categories
Eye-clean
Inclusions on the periphery of the gem
Inclusions throughout the volume of the gem
However, these categories do not specify the size or number of inclusions. For individuals who find this methodology useful, we have approximated how these categories align with the clarity grading system used in our mobile application:
Eye-clean = (VVS1 – VS2)
Inclusions on the periphery of the gem = (SI1 – SI2)
Inclusions throughout the volume of the gem = (I1 – I3)
While we understand that some buyers and sellers may prefer these simplified categories, we feel it necessary to share our perspective. Even small, hard-to-see inclusions can impact not only a gem's uniqueness but also its brilliance. We believe it is unfair when a gem with multiple, tiny, barely visible inclusions is valued the same as a nearly flawless gem with minor, singular inclusions visible only under 10x magnification. Accurate assessment of clarity gems is vital for proper pricing.
The accurate clarity grade contributes to the determination of a fair price per carat for any precious gem or gemstone.
Types and Degrees of Clarity in Gems
Type 1 - VVS1:
The smallest inclusions in the form of insignificant points, which range from
extremely hard to see to very hard to see. These points
are very difficult to find.
Type 1 - VVS2:
The smallest inclusions in the form of insignificant points, which range from
extremely hard to see to very hard to see. These points are
very difficult to find from the site side, but can be found from the
pavilion side.
Type 1 - VS1:
These are usually pure eye stones. They have minor inclusions visible to the
naked eye or under magnification. It is not difficult to find inclusions
under magnification.
Type 1 - VS2:
These are usually pure eye stones. They have minor inclusions visible to the
naked eye or under magnification. It is not difficult to find inclusions
under magnification. Clouds and small cracks can be detected.
Type 1 - SI1:
Inclusions are visible at 10x magnification, but are not always visible to
the naked eye.
Type 1 - SI2:
Inclusions are clearly visible at 10x magnification, but are not always
visible to the naked eye.
Type 1 - I1:
Inclusions that are easy to see with the naked eye. Single large inclusions.
Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 1 - I2:
Inclusions that are easy to see with the naked eye. Half or one third filled
with inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 1 - I3:
Inclusions that are easy to see with the naked eye. The stone is all filled
with inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 2 - VVS1:
These are usually pure eye stones. They have minor inclusions visible to the
naked eye or under magnification. It is not difficult to find inclusions
under magnification. No inclusions are visible from the site side.
Type 2 - VVS2:
These are usually pure eye stones. They have minor inclusions visible to the
naked eye or under magnification. It is not difficult to find inclusions
under magnification.
Type 2 - VS1:
These are usually pure eye stones. They have minor inclusions visible to the
naked eye or under magnification. It is not difficult to find inclusions
under magnification. You can find clouds and small cracks on the
periphery of the gem.
Type 2 - VS2:
These are usually pure eye stones. They have minor inclusions visible to the
naked eye or under magnification. It is not difficult to find inclusions
under magnification. You can find clouds and small cracks in any place in the
gem.
Type 2 - SI1:
Inclusions are visible at 10x magnification. These inclusions are almost
always noticeable and visible to the naked eye.
Type 2 - SI2:
Inclusions are visible at 10x magnification. These inclusions are ALWAYS
noticeable and visible to the naked eye.
Type 2 - I1:
Inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye. Single large inclusions.
Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 2 - I2:
Inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye. Half or one third filled
with inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 2 - I3:
Inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye. The stone is all filled
with inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 3 - VVS:
Inclusions are visible at 10x magnification, but are not always visible to the naked eye.
Type 3 - VS:
Inclusions are clearly visible at 10x magnification and are visible to the naked eye.
Type 3 - SI1:
Inclusions are always visible to the naked eye.
Type 3 - SI2:
Inclusions are always PERFECTLY visible to the naked eye.
Type 3 - I1:
Inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye. NOT isolated large inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 3 - I2:
Inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye. Not isolated large inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
Type 3 - I3:
Inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye. The stone is all filled with inclusions. Inclusions affect the appearance and durability of the gem.
