Gemstone Grading

Type 1 - Clarity

VVS - Very, Very Slightly Included (the best) Miinute inclusions that are difficult to see using 10X, and are not visible at all to the naked eye.

VS - Very Slightly Included Minor inclusions that are easier to see using 10X, but still not visible to the naked eye.

SI1 - Slightly Included I The inclusions are easily seen using 10X, and are noticeable with the naked eye.

SI2 - Slightly Included 2 The inclusions are more easily seen using 10X, and are quite visible with the naked eye.

I1 - Included 1 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a moderate negative effect on the over-all appearance or durability of the gemstone.

I2 - Included 2 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a severe negative effect on the over-all appearance or durability of the gemstone.

I3 - Included 3 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a sever negative effect on both the over-all appearance and durability of the gemstone.

Alexandrite
Type 2 - Gemstones
Andalusite All
Chrysoberyl
Corundum:
All colors
Sapphire & Ruby
Garnet:
All species & colors
Iolite - All
Peridot - All
Quartz
Amethyst
Citrine
Ametrine
Spinel- All
Tourmaline
Blue
Orange
Yellow
Multi-colored (except watermelon color)

Type 2 - Clarity

VVS - Very, Very Slightly Included (the best) Minor inclusions that are somewhat easy to see using 10X, but still not visible to the naked eye.

VS - Very Slightly Included Noticeable inclusions that are easier to see using 10X, and may be slightly visible to the naked eye.

SI1 - Slightly Included I The inclusions are easily seen using 10X and are large or numerous, and are noticeable with the naked eye.

SI2 - Slightly Included 2 The inclusions are easily seen using 10X and are large or numerous, and are very noticeable with the naked eye.

I1 - Included 1 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a moderate negative effect on the over-all appearance or durability of the gemstone.

I2 - Included 2 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a severe negative effect on the over-all appearance or durability of the gemstone.

I3 - Included 3 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a sever negative effect on both the over-all appearance and durability of the gemstone.

Type 1 - Clarity

VVS - Very, Very Slightly Included (the best) Noticeable inclusions that are easy to see using 10X, but usually not visible to the naked eye.

VS - Very Slightly Included Obvious inclusions that are easy to see using 10X, and usually visible to the naked eye.

SI1 - Slightly Included I The inclusions are large and numerous using 10X, and prominent with the naked eye.

SI2 - Slightly Included 2 The inclusions are large and numerous using 10X, and very prominent with the naked eye.

I1 - Included 1 The inclusions are very obviouss and they have a moderate negative effect on the over-all appearance or durability of the gemstone.

I2 - Included 2 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a severe negative effect on the over-all appearance or durability of the gemstone.

I3 - Included 3 The inclusions are very obvious and they have a sever negative effect on both the over-all appearance and durability of the gemstone.

THE BRAZILIAN CONNECTION - Gemstones & Gemstone Jewelry