Diamond Clarity

Clarity of diamond is a measure of the number and extent of the flaws in the diamond. Generally speaking, the fewer the flaws, the more valuable the diamond. 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."

Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural phenomena called inclusions.

There are several grading systems used to describe diamond clarity. By far, the most popular is the Gemological Institute of America's (G.I.A.) scale, which ranks diamonds as :

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).

• Flawless (F) :

  It is the highest grade of diamond stone, where no internal inclusions or surface imperfections are visible under ten power magnification. Any tiny ding will make the grade Internally Flawless.

• Internally Flawless (IF) :

  It describes stones with no visible interior imperfection but having minor surface blemishes which do show under magnification.

• Very Very Slight Imperfection (VVS1-VVS2) :

  This category rates stones that have tiny inclusions which are difficult to detect even with ten power magnification.

• Very Slight Imperfection (vs1-vs2) :

  This indicates very slight imperfections which are still difficult to see with ten power magnification. This grade of stones appears to all but the trained eye as perfectly clear. This is where the values begin The upper grades (FL through VVS2) are great, but the cost is restrictive.

• Slightly Included (SI1-SI2) :

  These diamonds have slightimperfections and inclusions visible under ten power magnification. These represent one of the best values for a nice diamond. The stone will look great, but you don't pay for the additional laboratory-only clarity which makes little actual difference in the appearance and beauty of the stone. Sharp eyed individuals can sometimes spot an inclusion without magnification in SI2 stones.

• Imperfect (I1-I3) :

  These grades is where the vast majority of jewelry store diamonds are found. I1 stones are often reasonably priced and a great value. Most people can see I class inclusions without magnification. These lower grades are the "Imperfect" grades (I-divided into "1", "2", and "3" factors), with clearly visible activity within the stone. The "Imperfect" range is with each factor indicating a stone more visibly included to the naked eye.

There are many different types of flaws. The best way to become acquainted with them is to look at lots of diamonds. The more common ones are as follows:

• Pinpoint: A very small white dot on the surface of the stone. By far, the most common flaw
• Carbons: A very small black dot on the surface of the stone. Less common than pinpoints
• Feathers: Small cracks within the stone, similar in look to broken glass. Small internal feathers are harmless (other than lowering the clarity rating of the diamond), but large feathers can become a problem because the crack can grow as the diamond ages
• Clouds: Hazy areas within the diamond, actually made up of many small crystals that are impossible to see individually
• Crystal Growth: A small crystalline growth within the diamond. Looks like a small diamond within the big diamond

More information on the 4c's of a diamond