Greetings fam,
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why certain gemstones are considered more valuable than others? Well, one of the main reasons is the clarity of the gemstone. In simple terms, clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions, or blemishes, within a gemstone. A gemstone with high clarity will have fewer inclusions, making it more rare and valuable than a gemstone with lower clarity.
But how do we determine the clarity of a gemstone? This is where the 4Cs come into play: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. In this post, we will focus specifically on the clarity factor and explore the different types of clarity grades that gemstones can receive.
About Clarity Grades
Clarity grades are determined on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). FL means that the gemstone is completely free of inclusions and blemishes, while I means that the gemstone has significant visible inclusions. In between these two extremes, there are several other clarity grades:
- Internally Flawless (IF): The gemstone has no visible inclusions, but may have blemishes on the surface.
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): The gemstone has very small inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): The gemstone has small inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification.
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): The gemstone has inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, but do not necessarily affect the overall beauty of the stone.
It is important to note that these grades are subjective and can vary depending on the gemstone and the grader. Nonetheless, the clearer the gemstone, the higher the value.
Images of Gemstones with Different Clarity Grades
Gemstone with Flawless Clarity
Gemstone with Very Very Slightly Included Clarity
Gemstone with Slightly Included Clarity
FAQ
Why do gemstones have inclusions?
Gemstones can have inclusions due to a variety of factors, including their formation process and exposure to heat and pressure. In some cases, gemstones may have inclusions that are considered desirable, such as the "silk" inclusions in some types of sapphires.
How are gemstones graded for clarity?
Gemstones are typically graded for clarity under 10x magnification by a trained grader. The grader will examine the gemstone for inclusions and blemishes and assign it a clarity grade based on the number, size, and location of these features.
Does clarity affect the value of a gemstone?
Yes, clarity is one of the main factors that affects the value of a gemstone. Gemstones with higher clarity grades are generally more valuable and sought after than those with lower clarity grades.
That's all for now, fam. Remember, when it comes to gemstones, clarity is key. Stay shining!