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March 09, 2026

GIA Clarity Types for Colored Gemstones

There is no universally accepted standard for grading the clarity of colored gemstones. Although the GIA colored stone clarity grading system is a notable attempt to address the issue, it is still the subject of a great deal of discussion and debate.

Type 1	Gemstones that are normally found to be clean.
VVS	minute to not detectable
VS	minor
SI1	noticeable to obvious
SI2	obvious to prominent
I1	prominent – moderate affect on appearence or durabilit
I2	prominent – severe affect on appearence & durability
I3	prominent – severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability
Type 2	Gemstones that normally may have a few inclusions.
VVS	minor
VS	noticeable to obvious
SI1	noticeable to obvious
SI2	obvious to prominent
I1	prominent – moderate affect on appearence or durability
I2	prominent – severe affect on appearence & durability
I3	prominent – severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability
Type 3	Gemstones that normally do not come clean.
VVS	noticeable to obvious
VS	noticeable to obvious
SI1	obvious to prominent
SI2	obvious to prominent
I1	prominent – considerable affect on appearence or durability
I2	prominent – severe affect on transparency or durability
I3 Type 3	prominent – severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability
Declasse	stones not transparent because of inclusions

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