| IF | When examining the gem using a 10x magnification loupe the stone is inclusion free |
| VVS/IF | When examining the gem using a 10x magnification loupe the gem may have some small inclusions that can only be seen using 10x magnification |
| VVS | Any inclusions inside the gemstone are not visible without magnification |
| VS/VVS | Inclusions are difficult to see with the naked eye and do not detract from the beauty of the gem in any way |
| VS | The gemstone has small inclusions inside that are hard to see, or can only be seen from certain angles, with the naked eye |
| SI/VS | The gemstone has small inclusions that are visible with the naked eye only on close inspection |
| SI | The gemstone has small inclusions that are visible to the eye but not easily seen |
| I/SI | The gemstone has more pronounced inclusions that are visible to the naked eye |
| I | The gemstone has many eye visible inclusions. |
Important notes:
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These clarity grades are used only for transparent gems. Non-transparent gems are graded Translucent or Opaque.
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Clarity grading is done when examining loose unset gemstones, viewing the gems at 90 degrees to the table. Note that once a gem is set in jewelry many of the inclusions may be hidden by the setting.
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Clarity standards vary for different types of gemstones. For example, Burma Ruby is usually much more included than Blue or Yellow Sapphire and Rubellite Tourmaline is commonly much more included than other Tourmalines.