Seek Clarity in Gemstones
A gemstone is made up of a combination of trace minerals. Those minerals create a one-of-a-kind set of marks or inclusions that set it apart from others. Those marks, however, don’t necessarily take away from a gemstone’s beauty or desirability.
How to Choose
Here are some clarity factors to consider when choosing a gemstone:
- Measure what your expectations are against the standard for a particular variety of gemstone. For example, citrine, blue topaz and aquamarine have fewer marks or inclusions than rubies and emeralds, which usually have more.
- Examine quality-colored gemstones for clarity. Remember that even opaque opals, for instance, can reveal milky inclusions that will affect their color and iridescence.
- Consider moderately included gemstones because they usually have the best value. There are gemstones that have few or no inclusions, but they often are extremely expensive.
A perfect gemstone with perfect clarity (clearness) is rare, though some inclusions cannot be seen without magnification.
