MyJewelrySource Type II Gemstone Grading Descriptions

Clarity grading of gemstones is not standardized within the gemstone trade industry. Only diamonds have an internationally established grading system that all jewelers follow.

Gemstone dealers and retailers do, however, grade their own gemstones using standardized diamond grading terms in order to convey the clarity attributes. Although the terms are the same, it is important to note that the clarity grade definitions are slightly different for gemstones and diamonds. 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.

MyJewelrySource has adopted the following clarity grading definitions, which we have found to be most commonly used among gemstone dealers and internet retailers:

You will see that we only use gemstones are of the highest quality. Each gemstone used in our jewelry is hand picked for its exceptional clarity and beauty.

Type II Gemstone Grading Table (ruby, sapphire, amethyst, garnet, iolite, peridot)

Clarity Grade	Quality	Definitions
IF	Top Gem Quality	Absolutely no inclusions visible under a 10x magnification loupe from any angle.
VVS1	Extremely Fine Quality	Gemstones are better than eye clean 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 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 which are hardly visible to the inspection of the naked eye. The beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway.
VS2	Fine Quality	Small inclusions and feathers which are hardly visible to the inspection of 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.
I 1, 2 & 3 (also SI3)	Medium to Lower Quality. Included.	Included gems with internal flaws that range from eye visible to very visible inclusions that are seen with the naked eye. Generally, these gemstones are used in commercial or mass produced jewelry and not in fine jewelry.