Of course other factors can impact a gem s appearance and structure most notably the cut. Determining the value of gemstones is one of the most important things both manufacturers and consumers must do before purchasing a gemstone. Each step of grading focuses on a different feature and has many details that create the overall grade determination. Colored gemstone clarity scale. It can be difficult to understand gemstone grades without training so with the help of the fire mountain gems and beads gemologists we ve created a chart to help clarify the basics.
Hardness is the resistance to scratching of a smooth surface. Hardness is sometimes taken on the back of a statue as for example to differentiate between jade and serpen tine. Color grades for moderate value colored gems. Gem clarity is an important factor used to evaluate the quality and value of a gemstone. View description industry standards terms used in the gem trade in grading a gemstone.
A perfect stone with perfect clarity or clearness is rare. Many people often confuse and misuse the four c s. A gemstone s clarity grade indicates the relative absence of inclusions materials trapped inside the gem fractures and blemishes surface imperfections that affect its appearance and structural integrity. Gemstone clarity grading has become increasingly important for the sales of gemstones and gemstone jewelry via the internet where customers cannot see the gemstones in person. The chart below details the clarity type assigned for most of the different gemstone varieties available today.
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The gemstone clarity scale was created specifically for grading diamonds more specifically white diamonds not colored gemstones for colored gemstones it is difficult to use a one size fits all classification system for clarity since some colored gemstones are expected to have inclusions and are sometimes even identified by their inclusions. Our gemstone grade chart is easy to use. While there is a strict scale to grade diamonds on that was devised by the gemological institute of america gia there is not an international standard for grading clarity in colored gems. Hardness has little use to the gemologist since gems are not normally scratched as a part of gem testing. Tourmaline for example comes in every possible color unless a gem has an exceptionally pure green red or pink hue color affects the value of all tourmalines equally.View grade column for common quick reference grades used in the jewelry trade. Gemstone color chart the standard way to organize gemstones is by gem species corundum beryl quartz etc and variety ruby sapphire topaz spinel etc. Depending on the nature of the stone the assigned clarity grade is based on what is considered to be normal with regard to inclusions. View grade column for common quick reference grades used in the jewelry trade. The gemstone clarity scale was created specifically for grading diamonds more specifically white diamonds not colored gemstones for colored gemstones it is difficult to use a one size fits all classification system for clarity since some colored gemstones are expected to have inclusions and are sometimes even identified by their inclusions.
Depending on the nature of the stone the assigned clarity grade is based on what is considered to be normal with regard to inclusions. A perfect stone with perfect clarity or clearness is rare. Hardness is the resistance to scratching of a smooth surface. Of course other factors can impact a gem s appearance and structure most notably the cut.
