Multicolour.com / Gem Library / Resources / Clarity Types

Home / Gem Library / Resources / Clarity Types

January 21, 2025

GIA Clarity Types for Colored Gemstones

There is no universally accepted standard for grading the clarity of colored gemstones. Although the GIA colored stone clarity grading system is a notable attempt to address the issue, it is still the subject of a great deal of discussion and debate.

Type 1	Gemstones that are normally found to be clean.
VVS	minute to not detectable
VS	minor
SI1	noticeable to obvious
SI2	obvious to prominent
I1	prominent – moderate affect on appearence or durabilit
I2	prominent – severe affect on appearence & durability
I3	prominent – severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability
Type 2	Gemstones that normally may have a few inclusions.
VVS	minor
VS	noticeable to obvious
SI1	noticeable to obvious
SI2	obvious to prominent
I1	prominent – moderate affect on appearence or durability
I2	prominent – severe affect on appearence & durability
I3	prominent – severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability
Type 3	Gemstones that normally do not come clean.
VVS	noticeable to obvious
VS	noticeable to obvious
SI1	obvious to prominent
SI2	obvious to prominent
I1	prominent – considerable affect on appearence or durability
I2	prominent – severe affect on transparency or durability
I3 Type 3	prominent – severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability
Declasse	stones not transparent because of inclusions

Knowledge Search/

Enter Keywords:

Enter one or more keywords (i.e madagascar sapphires ).

About Gemstones /

Gem Library/
	Gems Legend and Lore Some of the latest of ways that gems have been associated with Birthstones and Signs of the Zodiac.
	Understanding Gemstones Learn about Physical and Optical properties, color, clarity and cut of gemstones.
	Gems Glossary Ever wonder what are "Blemish", "Luster", "Saturation" "Uniformity" or "Mine Run" means?
	Reference and Links Recommended books and links to Gem, Jewelry&Mineral Magazines, Gem Institutes and Labs.

Book’s Corner/
	DK Handbooks: Gemstones by Cally Hall and Harry Taylor Price: USD 15.16
"Very good reference book to gems, stones and bones used in jewelry and ornamentations. Easy to use and read..."
see more Multicolour.com recommendations

Top of Page

Need help?

Gemstones for sale:	Alexandrite, Garnet, Diamond, Opal, Spinel, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Tsavorite,
Gemstones by Category:	Calibrated, Carving, Closeout, Jewelry, Mixed Lot, Pair, Rough, Single, Best Sellers or Featured Gemstones.
Gemstone education:	Colored Gemstones Guide, Gems Library, Gemstone Treatments, Gemstone Glossary, Gems and Astrology,

© Copyright David Wein Ltd, 1998-2024. All trademarks and logos shown herein are the property of their respective owners. This website is legally owned and operated by David Wein Ltd, Hong Kong. DPMS Registration No. A-B-24-11-08424. The website operations and customer services are managed by Multicolour Gems Co Ltd in partnership with David Wein Ltd. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Return Policy, Privacy Policy and Trading Guarantee.

Site design and maintenance by NetComposite ^®.