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Gemstone Clarity

understanding the terminology of
gemstone clarity and gem grading

© by Mary Harvey; all rights reserved

You want to buy some gemstones, but how do you know what you are getting? A lot of gemstone sellers use a grading system to classify their gemstones. Listed below are the types and grades of gemstones to help you understand the terminology of gemstone clarity.

Gemstone Clarity and Gem Grading

Gems are usually graded by a type (1, 2,or 3) and by clarity (VVS, VS, SI, etc.). Below are the grading criteria used by the Gemological Institute of America for colored gems:

  • Type 1 gemstones are are stones that are usually free of inclusions. This group includes gems in the quartz family, like amethyst and citrine, topaz, zircon, and beryls, like aquamarine.

    Clarity in the type 1 group is classified as VVS (minute to detectable), VS (minor), SI1 (noticeable), SI2 (obvious) or I (included).

  • Type 2 gemstones include garnet, iolite, alexandrite, ruby, sapphire, or peridot.

    Clarity in the type 2 group is classified as VVS (minor), VS (noticeable), SI1 (obvious), SI2 (prominent), or I (prominent, affecting appearance).

  • Type 3 gemstones are stones that almost always have inclusions. This group includes emerald and red tourmaline.

    Clarity in the type 3 group is classified as VVS (noticeable), VS (Obvious), SI1 (prominent), SI2 (more prominent), or I1 (affecting appearance or durability).

For example, if you are looking at a stone that is VVS type 2, that means that it is a type 2 stone with minute inclusions that may be visible only under 10x magnification. On the other hand, A VS type 3 has inclusions that are easily visible to the naked eye.

Some sellers may use simpler terms to describe the clarity of their gemstones. For example:

  • Clean - no inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

  • Eye-clean - inclusions not visible to the naked eye.

  • VVS, VS, or SI - Inclusions visible to the naked eye, but still a beautiful gem.

  • Included - numerous inclusions that affect the beauty of the gem.

Knowing this terminology will help you make an informed decision when buying colored gemstones. There are several great books on gemstones and gemstone buying on the market. For more information, check out "Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann, and "Jewelry and Gems, the Buying Guide" by Matlins and Bonano. Both of these books are a great resource for learning about gemstones.

Author Mary Harvey owns Custom Jewelry Supply, supplies for jewelry designers and wire artists. Her biweekly newsletter, The Jewelry Crafter, is full of useful information for your jewelry business - you can subscribe to it on the main page of her site, near the bottom of the navigation column at the left.

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