Gem Clarity Guide

For the new gem buyer, terms like “VSI” and “eye clean” may at first be somewhat confusing. Below is a list of the definitions used by most jewelers to describe the clarity of our gemstones: 

Clean – Stones that are free from inclusions.

Eye Clean – Stones that are clean to the naked eye.

Crystal Transparent – These stones are transparent and have excellent brilliance. 
They might have some minor inclusions, common to that particular gem type, but these do not deter from the rarity and beauty of the stone.  The word “crystal” is commonly used in all major global gemstone sources.

VSI (very slight inclusions) - While these stones have some small inclusions, they will not diminish the brilliance and beauty of the stone when set.

SI (slight inclusions) - These stones have some inclusions visible to the naked eye but not to the extent of affecting the brilliance of the stone.

Included - These stones have some larger and/or many minor inclusions, somewhat diminishing the brilliance of the stone.

Transparent - Transparent stones allow light to pass through them without diffusing (scattering) the light.

Translucent - Translucent stones allow light to pass through them, but the light is somewhat diffused (scattered).