How To Buy Gemstones
page 7 of 10previous page next page In diamonds, grading the clarity level of a stone is crucial, and so the diamond industry has created a very detailed system of defining clarity levels. The gemstones industry has borrowed the standard from the diamond world (albeit in a somewhat simplified version, so no detailed gradations such as VVS-1, VS-2, SI-3 and so on, are used in gemstones.)
The highest level of clarity is called loupe clean, which means that no inclusions can be detected under x10 magnification. The next level is usually called VVS ‘Very Very Slightly included’, which means that minor inclusions can be found under a loupe.
Some traders grade their VVS stones as “eye clean” because the name is more “friendly”, but we in Gemalaya prefer to stick to the more professional definition. From here down the scale you will find a VS grade, then SI ‘Slightly Included’, I ‘Included’, moderately included, and heavily included.
The effect of the clarity on the price depends on the stone. Inclusions in bright colors are more damaging than in dark ones. The availability of clean rough (raw material) also plays a role. In Aquamarine, VS grade is considered poor, and should result in a big price discount. In Emeralds, on the other hand, the available supply is so ‘included’ that there is no point insisting on clean stones, unless you have several million dollars up your sleeve…
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