The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of blemishes and inclusions within the stone. As diamonds are forged under extreme pressure and heat in the depths of the earth, almost all of them contain certain ‘birthmarks’ – minor imperfections on the diamond’s surface, known as blemishes or inside the stone, called inclusions. Clarity implies the degree to which such imperfections are existing in a diamond. A diamond including significant or numerous blemishes or inclusions offers less brilliance as the flaws within interferes with the reflection of light through the stone.
Here Is A Great Video About Diamond Clarity:
Evaluating the Clarity of a Diamond
Evaluating clarity in a diamond involves determining the position, number, nature, relief, and size of these characteristics, in the context of how they affect the final appearance of a diamond. Though no diamond is born perfectly pure and clean, the closer it is to perfection, the steeper its value.
Diamond cutters try their hardest to carve a stone where inclusions are not visible on the table of a finished diamond. The effort lies in positioning the inclusions near the diamond’s girdle or under its bezel facets as they are comparatively harder to detect there.
Most diamonds are graded for its clarity using the reputable GIA diamond clarity scale having 6 broad categories with total 11 specific clarity grades, assessed under 10x magnification. Here is a look at the different clarities:
- Flawless (FL) – No blemishes and no inclusions is visible using 10x magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF) – No visible inclusion using 10x magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Extremely slight inclusions which are difficult even for a skilled grader to perceive under 10x magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Inclusions that can be categorized as minor and observed with much effort under 10x magnification
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Noticeable inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Obvious inclusions that may affect brilliance and transparency and are easily visible under 10x magnification
Importance of Diamond Clarity for a Buyer
Many blemishes and inclusions are often quite tiny to be observed by anyone apart from an expert diamond grader. To an untrained naked eye, an SI2 and a VS1 diamond may appear quite the same, however, in terms of their overall quality these diamonds are completely different. And this difference is best reflected in the price tags they carry. Hence, when buying a diamond, getting accurate and expert assessment of clarity is crucial. For common buyers a diamond in the range of VS1-VS2 remains the most popular choice as it appears flawless to a naked eye without costing a fortune compared to a flawless diamond.
Visit Diamond Exchange NYC Today
The best way to learn about diamond clarity is to compare diamonds in person. Schedule an appointment with Diamond Exchange NYC today and we will show you how to use a diamond loupe and you will be able to compare diffent stones. Also, while you are at our jewelry store you can shop from our collection of wholesale loose diamonds, engagement rings, custom diamond jewelry, diamond earrings, necklaces, watches, and more. Diamond Exchange NYC, located in The Diamond District, is owned and operated by 3rd generation diamond dealers. We are experts in the industry and will be more than happy to educate you on the 4 C’s of diamonds.