Unlike diamonds, where clarity is graded using a loupe, emeralds are evaluated by the unaided eye. Emeralds are a Type III gemstone, meaning they almost always exhibit visible inclusions.
The rare emeralds that show no inclusions to the naked eye are considered exceptionally fine and may cost two to three times more than emeralds of similar color and carat weight. An emerald without visible inclusions is often referred to as “flawless” in the trade, even though minor internal features may still be present under magnification.

The evocative term jardin — French for “garden” — is often used to describe the natural internal landscape of emeralds.
The types and patterns of inclusions can also provide valuable clues about the emerald’s geographic origin.