As with diamonds, a gemstone's clarity refers to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. With good clarity and clean cuts comes an almost transparency to the stone, therefore increasing its rarity and subsequently its value. In this article, we'll cover the basics of how you can evaluate the transparency and clarity of any gemstone.

Evaluating Clarity in Gemstones

Clarity in jewelry is affected by blemishes and inclusions like feathering or crystals. While blemishes are often seen as external scratches or nicks, inclusions like feathering or fissures typically originate within the stone.

The type and placement of a stone's flaw is often more important than the actual presence of a flaw. For example, a large fracture or feather that's close to the top of a stone can affect its durability and therefore its value. But, if the fracture is minute and in an unobtrusive place, it'll have a minimal effect on the stone's value, beauty and durability, including in pearls. So in other words, the impact that flaw has is of greater importance than the flaw itself.

Flaws can also break the light, creating an iridescent effect that can detract from the gemstone's beauty and subsequently adversely affect its value. Because iridescence is usually an indicator of a crack on the surface of the stone, it lets us know that the stone is not as durable and could break.

When evaluating clarity, gemologists assess the color, nature, location, size and number of each flaw. When they're done with their assessment, they will judge the stone based on a scale of 0 to 10. Because some flaws can actually help a gemologist identify a particular stone, such blemishes can actually increase the stone's value.

Typically, a flawless or almost flawless colored gemstone is extremely rare. Diamonds tend to exhibit fewer flaws, while colored stones generally show more. Because of the rarity, a flawless colored gem (like a ruby, sapphire or emerald) would be extremely expensive and should be verified by an independent evaluator or gemologist. Remember, newer synthetic gems are often flawless and shouldn't be confused with actual, genuine fine gemstones.

Before making a major purchase, always shop around. Visit local jewelers and get a feeling for different clarity levels. Once you've gained some experience evaluating stones with your naked eye, you'll find you have a much better understanding for the clarity evaluation process. You'll actually be able to see for yourself how a stone's clarity grade can affect its brilliance and value.