Clarity and Transparency of Gemstones

Clarity, together with cut, color, and carat weight, is one of the four important C's used for evaluating and appraising gemstones. Clarity determines the level of flawlessness of a given gemstone. With great clarity comes great transparency as well. Transparency determines the ability of light to pass through a gemstone and inclusions, which are a no-no in judging quality, can also hinder transparency. Use the following tips to help you evaluate the clarity and transparency of gemstones.

How to Evaluate Clarity in a Gemstone

Clarity assesses and grades the external and internal characteristics of a given gemstone. Inclusions such as feathers and crystals are examples of internal flaws. They originate from within but may extend to the surface. Blemishes such as scratches and nicks are examples of external flaws.

Blemishes are generally quite small and only appear on the surface of gemstones. Feathers are cracks or fissures within a gemstone. Crystals are minerals trapped inside gemstones. Inclusions carry greater weight in diamonds than other colored gemstones. While they are expected to occur in certain gemstones like red tourmaline and emerald, inclusions hardly occur in gemstones like aquamarine and citrine.

At times, inclusions and blemishes occur due to the cutting technique utilized. Also, inclusions, at times, increase the value of a gemstone. This is true in the cases of eye in cats eye and stars in rubies and sapphires.

Upon assessing the number, color, nature, location, and size of these flaws, an authorized individual will then grade the clarity of the gemstone in a scale of 0 to 10.

Unlike cut, clarity definitely affects the prices of gemstones.

Types of Gemstones according to Clarity

Type 1 These gemstones are free from inclusions most of the time. They include but aren't limited to yellow beryl, blue topaz, and amethyst. Their grades range from VVS to I.

Type 2 These gemstones generally possess inclusions. They include but aren't limited to sapphires, rubies, and alexandrite. Their grades range from VVS to I as well.

Type 3 These gemstones are rarely without inclusions. They include but aren't limited to red tourmaline and emeralds. Their grades range from VVS to I1.

Factors Affecting Inclusions in Gemstones

Size Minute and minor inclusions are small in size and hardly visible. Obvious inclusions are easily observable. Prominent includes are hard to miss at all.

Contrast Also known as color or relief, contrast refers to the difference between a gem and included crystal. Inclusions, based on their contrast levels, may be barely noticeable or a distraction.

Number Inclusions may appear individually or in clusters and clouds. Keep in mind however that the degree of distraction carries more weight than the number of inclusions present.

Location Inclusions located at the center of a gemstone or under the table are less desirable than those occurring near the girdle.

Grading System for Gemstone Clarity

VVS 1 and 2 Eye-Clean and Extra Fine Something more than 10x magnification eyepiece is necessary just to make the inclusions in a gemstone visible.

VS 1 and 2 Slightly Included and Fine Quality Tiny pin-prick inclusions are visible under careful scrutiny but their presence doesn't affect the overall appearance of the gemstone.

S1 Moderately Included and Good Quality Although the inclusions of this ilk are easier to see, they still don't detract too much from the overall appearance of the gemstone.

S2 Moderately Included and Good to Medium-High Quality When held closer than arms length, the gemstone will show inclusions that are easily visible.

Included 1, 2, and 3; Heavily to Severely Included and Low to Medium Quality – Inclusions here are either highly visible or worse, they virtually draw attention to themselves.

Levels of Transparency in a Gemstone

Transparent gemstones are those which you can see right through them. Their internal features are clear and defined. Semi-transparent gemstones on the other hand may appear a bit hazy and blurry. Not all of its internal features may appear distinct.

The internal characteristics of translucent gemstones are vague and not that easy to see. Semi-translucent or semi-opaque gemstones, on the other hand, simply provide even greater challenge for the individual to see through it.

Lastly, opaque gemstones don't show its internal characteristics at all.

When evaluating the transparency and clarity of a gemstone, make sure to clean it first as dirt and oil can reduce transparency. Use a microscope if possible. Lastly, loose gemstones are easier to evaluate because settings can conceal inclusions located at the gemstones pavilion.

Posting by Sefa di 03:43