G.I.A CLARITY GRADES
G.I.A Clarity Grades
The GIA Color Gem System is divided into Three Gem Types… “Type I“, “Type II“, and “Type III” . All natural gems have inclusions… In plain terms clarity is simply how much “stuff ” is inside the gem crystal. The less the “stuff” the more they cost. Below is a more descriptive explanation of these Clarity Grades for the 3 Gem Types: .
| Grade Definition > | Exceptional | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Type1 | VVS Type I | VS Type I | SI Type I | I1 TO I2 Type I | I3 Type I |
| Type2 | VVS Type II | VS Type II | SI Type II | I1 TO I2 Type II | I3 Type II |
| Type3 | VVS Type III | VS Type III | SI Type III | I1 TO I2 Type III | I3 Type III |
TYPE I: Type I stones are usually eye-clean with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. The stones in this type are usually of such high clarity that even minor inclusions can detract from their desirability. The list includes Aquamarine, Beryl (green, pink & yellow), Citrine, Chrysoberyl (except Alexandrite), Kunzite, Morganite, Spodumene, Tanzanite, Topaz (colorless & blue), Tourmaline (green), Zircon (blue & colorless), and Zoisite
TYPE II: Type II stones typically show some eye-visible inclusions that do not detract from the gem’s overall beauty. Many stones with inclusions visible to the unaided eye are faceted for use in jewelry. The list includes Alexandrite, Amethyst, Andalusite, Apatite, Citrine, Diopside, Feldspar, Garnet (all colors), Iolite, Opal (Fire), Peridot, Quartz (all colors), Ruby, Sapphire (all colors), Spinel (all colors), Topaz (all colors except blue), Tourmaline (all colors except green & watermelon), and Zircon (all colors except colorless & blue)
Type III : Type III stones are almost always included and show eye-visible inclusions, but even specimens with obvious or prominent inclusions are often faceted for use in jewelry. The list includes Emerald, Beryl (red), and Tourmaline (watermelon)
The Gem Guide Reference Manual, Published by Gemworld International
| 1-2 | 3-4 | 4-6 | 6-8 | 8-10 | |
| GUIDE GRADES(GemGuide) | Lower Commercial | Middle to upper commercial | Good | Fine | Extra Fine |
| GIA GRADES | Severely Included | Heavily Included | Moderately Included | Slightly Included | Eye-clean |
| AGL GRADES | Extremely Included | Heavily Included | Moderately Included | Lightly Included | Free of Inclusions |
| Type I | Inclusions are prominent and have a severe effect on appearance, durability, or both | Inclusions are prominent and have a negative effect on appearance or durability | Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see with the unaided eye | Minute inclusions difficult to see with the unaided eye | The stone appears clean to the unaided eye |
| Type II | Inclusions are prominent and have a severe effect on appearance, durability, or both | Inclusions are prominent and have a negative effect on appearance or durability | Noticeable inclusions apparent to the unaided eye | Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see with the unaided eye | The stone appears clean to the unaided eye |
| Type III | Inclusions are prominent and have a severe effect on appearance, durability, or both | Inclusions are prominent and have a negative effect on appearance or durability | Obvious inclusions very apparent to the unaided eye | Noticeable inclusions apparent to the unaided eye | The stone appears clean to the unaided eye |
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