Gem Stones Clarity

Ideally a gem should be free of surface or internal inclusions of flaws. In the jewellery trade and gemmology it is generally accepted that gems be magnified up to ten times to grade clarity. Some stones are so flawed the flaws are easily visible with the naked eye, these are less sought after than those with very small flaws. It is possible to treat gems to make flaws less noticeable, diamonds can be later drilled then acid treated to remove dark inclusions, emeralds resin filled to make fractures less noticeable. Sapphire and Ruby are generally heat treated. Some stones are oiled to enhance their clarity.