Clarity
A variety of clarity grading systems are used for judging and appraising colored stones. GIA & AGL are used worldwide. The differences are: GIA grading is done with the unaided eye and a 10-power magnification and AGL grading is done with only the unaided eye.

While we recognize both systems, Gem Line uses the GIA scale in the clarity grading of our Diamonds and colored gemstones.

The letters grades for color stones are the same ones used for diamonds but classifies them into three clarity types- type I (stones that are relatively free of inclusion), type II (stones which are expected to contain minor inclusion) and type III (stones that are expected to have many visible inclusions. Since the average clarity of different gem type varies, GIA uses a different set of grading definitions for each of the three clarity types. The grade names, however, remain the same. Consequently, a grade of "VVS" has three possible meanings when applied to colored stones.

Gemstones contain characteristic inclusions that provide proof of their natural origin. Those inclusions should not be so visible that they detract from the beauty of the gemstone.

GIA Clarity Grades

TYPE I (Often virtually inclusion-free)
Most often includes:

BERYL
Aquamarine
Green
Morganite
Yellow

CHRYSOBERYL
Green
Yellow

QUARTZ
Smoky

SPODUMENE
Kunzite
Green

TOURMALINE
Green
TOPAZ
Blue
Yellow
Orange
Pink
Red

ZIRCON
Blue

ZOISITE
Tanzanite

VVS: VERY, VERY, SLIGHTLY INCLUDED. Minor inclusions: somewhat easy to see under 10power magnification. Usually invisible to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusions; pinpoints, very fine needles, tiny hairline feathers, minor color zoning, faint clouds, and percussion marks.

VS: VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED. Noticeable inclusion: very easy to see under 10 power magnification. sometimes visible to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusions: small included crystals, liquid inclusions, numerous fine needles, small fingerprints, and small feathers.

SI-1/SI-2: SLIGHTLY INCLUDED. Obvious inclusion: large and/or numerous under 10x. usually easy to see with the unaided eye:

SI-1, usually visible to the unaided eye. SI-2, quite visible.

Typical inclusions: included crystals, large fingerprints, chips, feathers, considerable color zoning, and dense clouds.

I-1: IMPERFECT. Moderate effect on appearance or durability.

I-2: SEVER IMPERFECT. Sever effect on appearance or durability

I-3: SEVER EFFECT ON BOTH appearance and durability.

Dcl DÉCLASSÉ: Stones are not transparent.


TYPE II (Usually included)
Most often includes:

ANDALUSITE

CHRYSOBERYL
Alexandrite

CORUNDUM
All colors

GARNETS
All species and varieties

IOLITE

PERIDOT

QUARTZ
Amethyst
Citrine
Amethyst-citrine

SPINEL
All colors

TOURMALINE
Blue
Orange
Yellow
Parti-colored (except watermelon)

ZIRCON
Green
Orange
Red

VVS: VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED: Minor inclusion: somewhat easy to see under 10 power magnification. Usually invisible to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusion: small include crystals, liquid inclusions, fine needles, fingerprints, tiny feathers, and minor color zoning.

VS: VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED: Noticeable inclusions: easy to see under 10 power magnification. sometimes visible to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusions: liquid inclusions, fingerprints, small chips, small feathers, moderate color zoning, and clouds

SI-1/SI-2: SLIGHTLY INCLUDED: Obvious inclusions: large and numerous under 10 power magnification.

SI-1, apparent to the unaided eye. SI-2, very apparent to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusions: large included crystals, moderate feathers, large chips, considerable color zoning, and dense clouds.

I-1: IMPERFECT. Moderate effect on the appearance or durability.

I-2: SEVERE IMPERFECT. Severe effect on both appearance and durability.

I-3: SEVERE EFFECT ON BOTH appearance and durability.

Dcl Delasse: Stones not transparent.


TYPE III (Almost always included)
Most often includes:

BERYL
Emerald

TOURMALINE
Red (and Pink)
Watermelon

VVS: VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED. Noticeable inclusions: easy to see under 10power magnification. Usually invisible to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusions: small included crystals, liquid inclusions, fine needles, and tiny feathers

VS: VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED. Obvious inclusions: very easy to see under 10 power magnification. Often visible to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusion: liquid inclusions, fingerprints, chips and small feathers.

SI-1/SI-2: SLIGHTLY INCLUDED. Prominent inclusions: large and numerous under 10 power magnification.

SI-1, prominent to the unaided eye. SI-2, very prominent to the unaided eye.

Typical inclusions: easily visible but not extensive feathers, and dense clouds.

I-1: IMPERFECT. Moderate effect on appearance or durability.

I-2: SEVERE IMPERFECT. Sever effect on appearance or durability.

I-3: SEVERE EFFECT on both appearance and durability.

Dcl Delasse: Stones not transparent.