CLARITY
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Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a Diamond
Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. Even with a loupe, inclusions in the VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) to VS (Very Slightly Included) range can be very difficult to find. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
| Inside Industry Tip Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant. |
The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is. Use the following chart to understand the breakdown for the clarity scale.
| Clarity Scale | ||
| FL – IF: | Flawless – Internally Flawless | |
| VVS1 – VVS2: | Very, Very Slightly Included | |
| VS1 – VS2: | Very Slightly Included | |
| SI1 – SI2: | Slightly Included | |
| I1: | Included. Grade 1 | |
| I2: | Included. Grade 2 | Who Cares |
| I3: | Included. Grade 3 | Who Cares |
The following diagrams
show what inclusions and blemishes look like in the different GIA clarity grades
when viewed under 10X magnification. You can use a loupe or microscope to see
these flaws, many of which will not be visible to the naked eye.
An untrained person will have a very difficult time trying to find
inclusions or blemishes in FL, IF, VVS1, or VVS2 grades even with a
microscope. For all practical purposes, these grades should be considered for
investment purposes only since they are almost too high a quality to be worn.
| Inside Industry Tip Caution! There are some SI clarity diamonds that are not eye clean and should only be used for earrings or pendants, not for engagement rings. |
| Inside Industry Tip For diamonds with many facets (i.e., brilliant round), it is extremely difficult to see the difference between SI1 and higher grades even with a loupe or microscope. Therefore, target SI1 or VS2 as the best clarity values with outstanding beauty. |