The Precious Gemstones

When evaluating precious gemstones, clarity and inclusions play a major role in beauty, rarity, and value. Unlike diamonds, where flawless clarity is expected, colored gemstones are naturally formed with unique internal characteristics. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are admired for their vivid colors, yet each follows its own clarity standard. This guide explores what you should expect in these gemstones, how labs grade them, and what ideal examples look like.

(Suggested banner image: high-resolution shot of emerald, ruby, sapphire together in a row on a dark velvet background)

Understanding Clarity in Gemstones

• Clarity = internal features (inclusions) and external blemishes.
• Factors: size, number, position, color, transparency impact.
• GIA Types:
  • Type I → usually clean (aquamarine, topaz).
  • Type II → moderately included (ruby, sapphire).
  • Type III → almost always included (emerald).

(Suggested image: clarity scale diagram — FL to I3 — similar to GIA illustration)

Emerald Clarity & Inclusions

• Type: Type III — inclusions are the norm, not the exception.
• Typical inclusions: “jardin” (garden-like mossy fissures), feathers, liquid-filled cavities, crystals.
• Enhancements: Oiling or resin filling is standard; labs report level (minor, moderate, significant).
• Visual standard:
  • Top emerald: rich green, transparent, few surface-reaching fissures.
  • Acceptable: inclusions visible but color strong and appealing.
  • Low quality: heavy inclusions, opaque, fractures affecting durability.

(Suggested image: micrograph of “jardin” inclusions in emerald)

Ruby Clarity & Inclusions

• Type: Type II — inclusions common but eye-clean stones exist.
• Typical inclusions: Rutile needles (“silk”), crystal inclusions, feathers, color zoning.
• Visual standard:
  • Top ruby: vivid “pigeon blood” red, even color, eye-clean appearance.
  • Acceptable: slight silk, minor inclusions under 10×, still brilliant.
  • Low quality: large inclusions visible to naked eye, dull transparency.
• Note: Some silk enhances beauty by creating a soft glow; too much reduces brilliance.

(Suggested image: high-quality ruby showing pigeon blood red color)

Sapphire Clarity & Inclusions

• Type: Type II — many have rutile needles or color zoning.
• Typical inclusions: Silk, feathers, fingerprint formations, crystals.
• Visual standard:
  • Top sapphire: vivid blue (or fancy color), uniform hue, eye-clean.
  • Acceptable: minor inclusions, faint zoning, but good brilliance.
  • Low quality: many inclusions, hazy or milky appearance, uneven color.

(Suggested image: close-up of Kashmir sapphire with strong blue color)

Clarity Grading Scales (Labs: GIA, IGI, GRS)

• FL / IF – Flawless / Internally Flawless (extremely rare in colored gems).
• VVS – Very, very slightly included (tiny inclusions difficult to see at 10×).
• VS – Very slightly included (minor inclusions under magnification).
• SI – Slightly included (inclusions visible under magnification; sometimes to the naked eye).
• I1–I3 – Included (inclusions obvious; impact transparency, durability).

(Suggested image: lab certificate sample showing clarity grade for ruby)

Buyer’s Tips

1. Certification: Always request a lab report (GIA, IGI, GRS).
2. Treatments: Emeralds often oiled, rubies/sapphires commonly heat-treated — disclosure is essential.
3. Balance color and clarity: In colored gems, color outweighs clarity. A vivid green emerald or intense red ruby may still be valuable despite visible inclusions.
4. Inspect carefully: Look under 10× magnification and natural daylight for full assessment.
   
   

Conclusion

Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires each hold unique beauty standards. An emerald is treasured for its rich green despite jardin inclusions, a ruby for its fiery red even with silk, and a sapphire for its royal blue glow. Understanding clarity types, typical inclusions, and grading scales ensures that buyers and collectors can make informed choices with confidence.