Clarity

Clarity is the absence of inclusions and is measured using a 10x loupe. The finest emeralds start with LI or SI1 / i4 clarity scale. The best clarity for emeralds is VLI or VVS / i1, minute inclusions to 10x.

Clarity Scales:

Or a more detailed scale will classify them as:

The best clarity reflects brilliance and vividness, Clarity is an important factor in Emerald Quality. An emerald with good colour, cut, carat weight need good clarity to bring live and fire, otherwise will appear to eye very opaque.

Emeralds are GIA type III for clarity. Almost all Emeralds will have scratches, flaws and inclusions to some extent. These inclusions reveal the traumatic genesis of Emeralds (see gemmology information); in fact, any specimen without them is immediately suspect as a synthetic or an imitation. As the ICGA describes: “The tension involved in the geological conditions contributing to the above processes produced some minor flaws, and some major ones. Observing through the magnifying-glass into the interior of an emerald tells us something about the eventful genesis of this unique gem: here we see small or large fissures; here the sparkle of a mini-crystal or a small bubble; here shapes of all kinds. While the crystals were still growing, some of these manifestations had the chance to 'heal', and thus the jagged three-phase inclusions indicative of hydrothermal formation associated with Colombian Emeralds: cavities filled with fluid, which often also contain a small bubble of gas and some tiny crystals.

Logically enough, a genesis as turbulent as that of the emerald impedes the undisturbed formation of large, flawless crystals. For this reason, it is only seldom that a large emerald with good colour and good transparency is found. That is why fine emeralds are so valuable. But for the very reason that the emerald has such a stormy past, it is surely entitled to show it - that is, as long as only a fine jardin is to be seen, and not a rank garden which spoils both  colour and transparency.”

The inclusions in Emeralds may be solid, liquid or gas filled. Inclusions are an everlasting witness to nature's slow formation of that individual stone. They have been trapped within it for millions of years. The French have a lovely, romantic term to describe an emeralds inclusion. They call them “jardin”, meaning “garden”. They regard the tender little green plants in the emerald garden as features of the identity of a gem which has grown naturally.

Because each emerald forms under its own, unique circumstances, each individual gemstone is comprised of a combination of trace minerals, which lend a precise colour as well as unique identifying marks or inclusions; there are not two Emerald internal gardens that match. This allows emeralds to show the mystery and beauty of the most desire gemstone in the history.

This turbulent genesis means that Emerald is a highly included gem - almost all natural stones will have scratches, flaws and inclusions to some degree. Large pieces of Emerald crystal are very rare indeed and large fine pieces are more valuable than Diamond by weight. Marks and inclusions that would affect the value of other gems are tolerated in cut Emeralds. Small, fine inclusions don't affect value as much as the intensity of colour and an included dark Emerald will be more valuable than a flawless, pale one.

Please be aware that these characteristic inclusions do not detract appreciably from the value of the Emeralds unless they are distracting or adversely impact the brilliance of the gemstone. The poor Clarity could represent durability problems, you must be careful of fissures, or inclusions that reach the surface of the stone, mainly in the table of the Emerald. Inclusions that are prevalent to the extent that they are disturbing and reduce the brilliance of the Emerald will greatly reduce the value of the gemstone.

Since emeralds have so many inclusions a high percentage of emerald rough must be cut away to create a gemstone. This high weight loss is one of the main reasons emeralds are so expensive.
Some common thoughts shared by gemmologist and gem connoisseurs about inclusions:

• “Emerald's flaws are part of its beauty, adding to its charm like laughter lines on a face. “
• "Inclusions are no uglier than the freckles on Katherine Hepburn's face. They're part of the stone's character, just like freckles are part of the woman's.”
• “Some emeralds have a brilliant look, others look sleepy. This sleepy appearance combined with a pleasant green colour can be very attractive. It has a velvety feeling that a brilliant stone does not have.”

This is one of the reasons emeralds are so exquisite. They can cater the taste of the most exigent individual.