Type I Gemstone Grading Table 

(Includes: Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Citrine, Green Tourmaline, Kunzite, Tanzanite)

 

Clarity Grade Quality
Definitions

IF
Internally Flawless
 
VVS1
Extremely Fine Quality
Gemstones are better than eye clean (i.e., have no visible inclusions) and have very few microscopic inclusions which are very difficult to detect under a 10x magnification loupe. 
 
VVS2
Extremely Fine Quality
Gemstones are better than eye clean (i.e., have no visible inclusions) and have very few microscopic inclusions which are difficult to moderately difficult to detect under a 10x magnification loupe. 
 
VS1 
Very Fine Quality
Minute inclusions are only visible under a 10x magnification loupe but not visible to the naked eye. The beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway. 
 
VS2
Fine Quality
Minor inclusions are only visible under a 10x magnification loupe but not visible to the naked eye. The beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway. 
 
SI1
Good Quality. 

Lightly Included.
Some minor visible inclusions are present to the naked eye but generally not visible to the friendly observer.
 
SI2
Medium to Good Quality.

Lightly Included.
Inclusions are moderately easy to detect with the naked eye
 
I1, 12 &1 3

(also SI3)
Medium to Lower Quality.

Included.
Included gems with internal flaws that are easily visible to the naked eye. Flaws will have a negative effect on the overall appearance of the gemstone. Generally, gemstones with I1, I2 or I3 grades are only used in commercial or mass produced jewelry and not in fine jewelry.
 

Type II Gemstone Grading Table (Includes: Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Garnet, Seafoam Tourmaline, Iolite, Peridot)

 

Clarity Grade Quality
Definitions

IF
Internally Flawless
 
VVS1
Extremely Fine Quality
Gemstones are better than eye clean (i.e., have no visible inclusions) and have very few microscopic inclusions which are difficult to moderately difficult to detect under a 10x magnification loupe. 
 
VVS2 
Extremely Fine Quality
Gemstones are better than eye clean (i.e., have no visible inclusions) and have minor microscopic inclusions which can be detected under a 10x magnification loupe. Gemstones may have very minute visible inclusions, only seen from a side angle, but not face on. 
 
VS1 
Very Fine Quality
Minute inclusions are hardly visible to the naked eye. The beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway. 
 
VS2
Fine Quality
Small inclusions and feathers are hardly visible to the naked eye. However, the overall beauty of the gem is still not diminished. 
 
SI1
Good Quality. 

Lightly Included.
Some visible inclusions present, but not serious enough to detract from the overall appearance of the gemstone.
 
SI2
Medium to Good Quality.

Lightly Included.
These gems have inclusions which are moderately easy to detect with the naked eye. These inclusions are generally not visible to the friendly observer.
 
I1, 12 &1 3

(also SI3)
Medium to Lower Quality.

Included.
Included gems with internal flaws that are easily visible to the naked eye. Flaws will have a negative effect on the overall appearance of the gemstone. Generally, gemstones with I1, I2 or I3 grades are only used in commercial or mass produced jewelry and not in fine jewelry.


Type III Gemstone Grading Table (Includes: Emerald, Pink Tourmaline, Rubellite (red) Tourmaline)

 

Clarity Grade Quality
Definitions
 
VVS1+ Top Gem Quality
Note: We added this extra category since all of our pink tourmalines far exceed the general industry standard for a VVS1 classification for a type III gemstone.

 

Gemstones are better than eye clean (i.e., have no visible inclusions) and have very few microscopic inclusions which are difficult to moderately difficult to detect under a 10x magnification loupe. 
 
VVS1
Extremely Fine Quality
Gemstones are eye clean. Inclusions are easy to see using a 10X magnification loupe. 
 
VVS2
Extremely Fine Quality
Gemstones may have very minute visible inclusions, only seen from a side angle, but not face on. Inclusions are easy to see using a 10X magnification loupe. 
 
VS1 
Very Fine Quality
Minute inclusions which are hardly visible to the inspection of the naked eye. The beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway. Inclusions are easy to see using a 10X loupe.
 
VS2
Fine Quality
Obvious inclusions that are easy to see using a 10X magnification loupe, and definitely visible to the naked eye.
 
SI1
Good Quality. 
The inclusions are large and numerous using a 10X magnification loupe, and prominent with the naked eye 
 
SI2
Medium to Good Quality.
The inclusions are large and numerous using a 10X magnification loupe, and very prominent with the naked eye.
 
I1, 12 &1 3

(also SI3)
Medium to Lower Quality.

Included.
Included gems with numerous internal flaws that are easily visible to the naked eye. Flaws will have a negative effect on the overall appearance of the gemstone. Generally, gemstones with I1, I2 or I3 grades are only used in commercial or mass produced jewelry and not in fine jewelry.