Clarity Of A Diamond
Diamond clarity is a measurement of minute flaws on the outside and inside the stone. Internal imperfections are referred to as inclusions, whilst surface flaws are known as blemishes. Since most inclusions are invisible to the unaided eye, they typically have little impact on a diamond’s beauty.
Gemologists frequently refer to inclusions as “internal characteristics” as opposed to faults. Also noteworthy is the fact that diamonds with the fewest and smallest inclusions are given the highest clarity ratings, which are reflected in higher prices..
Diamond Clarity Scale
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. If you are trying to determine what is the best clarity for a diamond, remember that no diamond is perfectly pure. But the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity. The Diamond Clarity Scale has categories, some of which are divided, for a total of specific grades.
Diamond Clarity Grade Chart
Diamond clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility under 10-power magnification.
Inclusion Visibility Under 10x Magnification
FL/IF – Flawless And Internally Flawless
Flawless (FL) is the best clarity of a diamond as it does not contain any inclusions or blemishes, under the scrutiny of 10x magnification, whereas Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds may contain external characteristics (also known as blemishes) that are extremely difficult to view at 10x magnification on the stone’s surface.
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VVS1 diamonds are those with a small inclusion. For an experienced grader using a 10x magnification, a diamond with a VVS1 rating has one or two tiny inclusions that are either very difficult to see or extremely difficult to see. In VVS2 there are only some inclusions that are hard to see even with 10x magnification. Inclusions in VVS2 are visible in the face-up view.
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All VS1 clarity diamonds contain inclusions visible with magnification. In a VS1 diamond, the imperfections are smaller and harder to see than those in a VS2. Diamonds with a VS1 clarity grade will always be eye-clean. When small inclusions, such as crystals of other elements, show up in diamonds under the 10x magnification, they get VS2 clarity. You need to look very hard to find these imperfections of VS2.
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When a VS2 clarity diamond is not attainable, the SI1 clarity grade is a fantastic choice. Most SI1 diamonds may still be eye-clean and are prized for their value.
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Not all SI2 diamonds are created equal as some SI2 clarity diamond inclusions are hidden and scattered so well, they are still clean to the naked eye when viewed facing up. Those represent a fantastic value and can help maximize size for budget.
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These diamonds contain obvious inclusions. You can see the inclusions in these diamonds with 10x magnification and often with the naked eye. Such diamonds tend to have low transparency and usually lack brilliance.
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One of the biggest determinants to the price of a diamond is the clarity. That should be one of your main concerns when you buy a diamond. Clarity basically tells you how flawless the diamond is. The clarity grade given to a diamond should correspond with the number of flaws that are visible under magnification. The prices for diamonds will vary based on this number.
At the lower end of the clarity scale are the grades I1-I3. The highest end of the scale has a rating of FL which means that there are no flaws visible on the inside of the stone or under the surface of the stone. Stones that are rated as IF, internally flawless, and FL, flawless, are very rare and you can expect those to fetch high prices.
Diamond Clarity Affecting Price
A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under ten times magnification.
Is Diamond Clarity Important?
Clarity affects how a diamond shines and appears when illuminated – and fewer inclusions mean the diamond will shine more brilliantly. When determining the optimum clarity for a diamond, keep in mind that no diamond is entirely pure. However, the closer it gets to purity, the clearer it becomes.
It is the inclusions or blemishes that give each diamond its own unique fingerprint, making your particular diamond truly yours. In fact, the independent grading report that comes with every diamond we sell will show a diagram indicating any characteristic and blemishes your diamond may have, as well as their location.
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