DIAMOND HANDBOOK - CLARITY

THE BEAUTY OF PERFECTIONS & IMPERFECTIONS

1. WHAT IS DIAMOND CLARITY

The evaluation of minor flaws on the surface and within the stone is known as diamond clarity. Internal faults are known as inclusions, whereas surface flaws are known as blemishes. In most circumstances, the beauty of a diamond is unaffected by inclusions as they aren't visible to the naked eye. Instead of calling inclusions faults, gemologists regard them as "internal features." A natural diamond's character is determined by its internal properties. It's also worth noting that diamonds with the smallest and fewest inclusions obtain the highest clarity grading, as well as higher prices.

NOTE: A diamond is a unique object, not a perfect one. Due to the intense pressure and heat involved in their formation, they usually feature natural inclusions and blemishes.

2. QUICK CLARITY TIPS

A widespread misconception is that a higher clarity rating equals more gleam. Well, this statement is False! Here are a few pointers to help you get started on your diamond hunt:

• The term "eye clean" refers to the inclusions in the diamond being too small to notice without magnification.
• Because inclusions are not immediately visible without magnification, Slightly Included (SI) and Very Slightly Included (VS) grades are a good location to start your search and maximize your budget.
• The clarity of a diamond is influenced by its shape and size. While clarity is less significant than cut or color in a diamond, you may want to spend more for a higher clarity grade if you're buying a diamond over one carat or contemplating certain fancy-shaped diamonds (such an emerald or Asscher cut, where defects are more evident).
• The clarity of a diamond is a significant factor in determining its beauty. Diamond clarity, like the other 4Cs, is an important factor to consider when purchasing a diamond. While clarity has an impact on price, there are a few aspects to consider when deciding which clarity grade is best for you.

3. 6 CATEGORIES OF DIAMOND GRADE

Diamond clarity is determined upon analysis by gemologists through a chart, The GIA diamond grading scale is divided into 6 categories and 11 diamond clarity grades.
Below are the different grades and their features:

I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds

The inclusions in included diamonds can be seen with 10x magnification by a skilled grader, and they may affect transparency and brilliance of the diamond.

SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds

The inclusions in slightly included diamonds can be spotted by a skilled grader using a 10x magnifying glass and range from easy to very easy to see.

VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds

When examined at a magnification of 10x, a Very Slightly Included diamond has minor inclusions that can be tough to see, but can be seen by a skilled grader.

VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds

Diamonds with very, very slight inclusions have minute inclusions that are difficult to see even with 10x magnification.

Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds

Diamonds that are Internally Flawless as the name suggests have no internal inclusions but only blemishes which can be seen using a 10x magnifying glass.

Flawless (FL) Diamonds

Diamonds with flawless finishes have no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen under 10x magnification.

4. DIAMOND CLARITY FACTORS

• Size: The lower the clarity rating, the bigger or more visible a trait is.
• Number: This is the total number of distinguishing features. A better clarity grade is achieved by having fewer characteristics.
• Position: The position is a significant factor that could turn inclusions into reflectors, which have a bigger impact on the clarity grade.
• Nature: The type of inclusion and its effect on durability is the nature of a diamond's characteristic.
• Color and relief: Color and relief are visual indicators of how noticeable a feature is or how much contrast there is between them and the surrounding diamond.

5. WHY IS DIAMONDS AND VS DIAMONDS ARE THE BEST VALUE

While the best quality diamond clarity is Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds, you may wish to select a diamond that won't break the bank. Choose a diamond with no inclusions visible through the crown without magnification (also known as eye clean diamonds), such as one with a SI or VS clarity rating, for the best value. These diamonds are substantially less expensive and have the same aesthetic appearance as the higher grades.

6. DIAMOND SHAPE

A higher clarity grade is required for some diamond shapes than for others. Step cut diamonds, such as emerald and Asscher shapes, have rectangular facets that emphasize transparency and allow you to look further into the diamond, making inclusions more obvious. Choose a clarity grade of VS1 or greater for these diamond shapes to ensure that the inclusions are not noticeable. Learn More About Shape

7. DIAMOND SIZE

The size of the facets (the many mirror-like surfaces on the diamond) grows in proportion to the diamond's size. Inclusions may become more evident as a result of this. Hence, as the size of your diamond grows larger, make sure to prioritize a higher clarity grade.

8. THE DIAMOND CLARITY PLOT

Clarity plots are diagrams that indicate the position of clarity features in a diamond, such as flaws on the surface and inclusions within the interior. A qualified diamond grader uses a 10x magnification instrument to identify the inclusions.

9. TYPES OF DIAMOND INCLUSIONS AND BLEMISHES

Now Let's Take a look into the various types of inclusions and blemishes

Types Of Diamond Inclusions

• Clouds
• Feathers
• Crystals or minerals
• Knots
• Cavities
• Cleavage
• Internal graining

Types Of Blemish Examples

• Polish lines
• Scratches
• Nicks
• Pits
• Chips
• Breaks
• Dark or light spots