Emerald Grading Chart – Clarity, Color & Brilliance Explained

When buying or evaluating emeralds, it’s essential to understand how they are graded. Gem experts use three main criteria to assess emerald quality: Clarity, Color, and Brilliance. Here’s a complete breakdown of what each means and how emeralds are ranked.

📊 Emerald Clarity Grading

Clarity refers to the visibility of internal or surface inclusions (cracks, feathers, or bubbles). Emeralds are examined under magnification with a light source and fiber optics to determine clarity grade:

CF1: Very high clarity, almost no inclusions.
CF2–CF3: Minor inclusions, not visible to the naked eye.
CF4–CF5: Moderate inclusions, slightly visible.
CF6: Noticeable surface cracks and filling materials.

🎨 Emerald Color Tone Classification

Color is one of the most important aspects of emerald value. Grading is based on tone and hue — from deep green to pale green shades:

G1: Deep forest green (most valuable).
G2–G3: Vivid green with slight internal features.
G4: Medium green tone.
G5–G6: Light green or bluish-green tones.

✨ Emerald Brilliance Grading

Brilliance refers to how much light an emerald reflects — its sparkle. The gem is placed 25cm from a light source and shaken at a 30° angle. The brighter the crown area, the higher the brilliance grade:

B1: Highest brilliance and sparkle.
B2–B3: Strong fire and light return.
B4–B5: Moderate brilliance.
B6: Low brilliance or dull appearance.

🧠 Quick Summary

To choose the best emerald, look for a gem with:

High clarity (CF1–CF3)
Rich green color (G1–G3)
Strong brilliance (B1–B2)

These qualities not only ensure the stone’s beauty but also increase its investment value.