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 Home / Gem Library / Resources / Clarity Types March 19, 2024  

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


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