The clarity of emeralds
differs from other gems like rubies, diamonds or sapphires. As Type
III gems, emeralds are the only major gemstone expected to have visible
inclusions; in fact, any specimen without them is immediately suspect
as a synthetic or an imitation.
Clarity is measured
using a jeweler's loupe (a small magnifying glass used to view gemstones)
under 10-power magnification. Because each emerald forms under its
own, unique circumstances, each individual gemstone is comprised
of a combination of trace minerals, which lend a precise color as
well as unique identifying marks or inclusions.
"Jardin"
or "gardens" are natural inclusions you will see in all the emeralds,
with the naked eye or with magnification. This allows emeralds to
display the mystery and beauty of one of the most desirable gemstone in history.
These wonderful gardens are the birthmark of emeralds, and the
defining characteristic which make natural
emeralds different from synthetic emeralds. There is no two
emerald internal gardens that are the same. Every emerald is a
unique specimen.
The best clarity
for emeralds is VVS or I1, minute inclusions to 10x and fine emeralds
which can start with SI1 or I4 clarity scale. See table below for
clarity definitions.
GIA |
Ours |
Description |
| F |
N/A |
Flawless,
Do not exist in emeralds |
| IF |
i0 |
Internal
Flawless |
| VVS1 |
i1 |
Very,
very slightly included - Minor inclusion to 10x (Best clarity
for emerald) |
| VSI |
i2 |
Very
slightly includes - Noticiable to 10x (Lightly Included) |
| VS2 |
i3 |
Eye
Clean (minor inclusions to naked eye) |
| SI1 |
i4 |
Slightly
included - Ovious to prominent to 10x |
| SI2 |
i5 |
Ovious
inclusions to eye naked |
| I1 |
i6 |
Prominent
inlcusion to eye naked |
| I2 |
i7 |
Decease
- Prominent (moderate affect durability or apparence) |
The higher the clarity,
the more brilliance and liveliness that is exubed by the emerald. Clarity is
the most significant factor in emerald quality.
An emerald with good color, cut, and carat weight needs good
clarity to bring life and fire - Without this the stone will appear
very opaque to the eye. This
poor clarity could represent durability problems, and one must be careful
of fissures, or inclusions that reach the surface of the stone,
mainly in the table of the Emerald. If the polishing of a stone is
poor, the emerald will generally be of poor quality.
What is it Clarity Enhancement?
Clarity enhancement is
the use of cedar
oil or resin filling, which is acceptable practice used in all
emeralds for centuries.
