Diamond
Clarity
When we speak of a
diamond's clarity, we are referring to the presence of identifying
characteristics on (blemishes) and within (inclusions) the
stone.
If you think about the
incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a diamond and the
fact that natural diamonds are not grown in a sterile laboratory,
it's no surprise that most diamonds have
flaws.
Basically there are two
types of flaws: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions refer to
internal flaws and blemishes refer to surface flaws. However, in the
diamond grades listed below, you'll note that none of the grades
include the term "blemish" -- for the purposes of grading diamonds, all flaws are called
"inclusions."
Inclusions include flaws
such as air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals found in the
diamond. Blemishes include scratches, pits, and chips. Some
blemishes occur during the cutting processes (most often at the
girdle). Diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more
highly valued than those with less clarity because they are
rarer.
How
are diamonds graded for clarity?
Diamonds are graded
for clarity under 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from
Flawless (diamonds which are completely free of blemishes and
inclusions), to Included 3 (diamonds which possess large, heavy
blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked
eye).
·
F Flawless: No internal or
external flaws. Extremely rare.
·
IF Internally Flawless: no
internal flaws, but some surface flaws. Very rare.
·
VVS1-VVS2 Very Very Slightly
Included (two grades). Minute inclusions very difficult to detect
under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist.
·
VS1-VS2 Very Slightly Included
(two grades). Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x
magnification.
·
SI1-SI2 Slightly Included (two
grades). Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x
magnification.
·
I1-I2-I3 Included (three grades).
Inclusions visible under 10x magnification AS WELL AS to the human
eye. We do not recommend buying diamonds in any of these
grades.
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F-IF |
VVS1-VVS2 |
VS1-VS2 |
SI1-SI2 |
I1-I2-I3 |
While the presence of
these clarity characteristics (inclusions and blemishes) do lower
the clarity grade of a diamond, they can also be viewed as proof of
a diamond's identity. GIA certificates include what is known as a
"plot" of a diamond's inclusions -- think of it as a "diamond
fingerprint." Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing
the uniqueness of your diamond's clarity characteristics with the
plot provided on the diamond certificate offers assurance that the
diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive.
Which
Clarity Grade Should I Choose?
While Flawless
diamonds are the rarest, a diamond does not have to be flawless to
be stunning.
In fact, until you drop
to the "I" grade, a diamond's clarity grade has an impact on the
diamond's value, not on the unmagnified diamond's
appearance.
Diamonds with VVS and VS
grades are excellent choices for both value
and appearance.
More affordable (and
still a great choice) are those diamonds which gemologists call
"eye-clean" - diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye.
These diamonds are SI1 and SI2 and unless the recipient carries a
10X loupe (a strong jewelry magnifying glass), she won't see the
inclusions.
As to I1-I3? Maybe when
there's a diamond grade that's defined as "you can see the flaws
just by looking at the diamond," nothing more needs to be
said.
Okay, to be "fair" to
I1-I3 -- not everyone notices visible flaws in
a diamond. And not all "visible" flaws are "equally" visible --
think about the difference between dripping mustard on a starched
white dress shirt and dripping mustard on a brightly-colored
Hawaiian shirt (not that we think you have a lot of mustard dripping
experience). Obviously, one shows up a lot more than the other --
visible diamond flaws are like that.
But if you choose to buy
an I1-I3 diamond (which we don't really recommend), know that some
people will look at it and immediately see the flaws -- and not just
experienced jewelers.
·
Read
more about the Four Cs of
diamonds... |