Diamonds are created by millions of tons of pressure over long periods of time, so it is no wonder that flaws and blemishes occur on most of them. But if you do not know what these imperfections look like, how do you a diamond has them?
Diamond clarity is the amount of characteristics on (blemishes) and inside (inclusions) the diamond, though for grading purposes all flaws are called inclusions. The variable types of inclusions a diamond could have are air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond material. Blemishes, or surface flaws, could include scratches, pits and chips. Some blemishes occur during the cutting process, mostly at the girdle. High diamond clarity is the presence of few inclusions and increases the value of the diamond because they are much rarer.
To determine clarity, a 10x loupe magnification tool is used. Diamond clarity ranges from Flawless (diamonds with no blemishes or inclusions at all) to Included 3 (diamonds which have large, distinct flaws that are visible even to the naked eye). Below are all the grades of diamond clarity and their characteristics:
- F – Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
- IF – Internally Flawless: No inclusions, but a few blemishes on the surface of the diamond. Very rare.
- VVS1/VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included (two levels): Tiny inclusions very difficult to identify with a 10x magnification even by a trained gemologist.
- VS1/VS2 – Very Slightly Included (two levels): Tiny inclusions difficult to identify with a 10x magnification.
- SI1/SI2 – Slightly Included (two levels): Tiny inclusions more easily seen with a 10x magnification.
- I1/I2/I3 – Included (three levels): Inclusions that are visible under a 10x magnification as well as to the naked eye. If you are interested in a decent diamond that will last, diamonds of these last three levels are not recommended.
Diamond clarity does not determine the beauty of the stone, but it can establish the diamond’s authenticity. Every diamond is unique, so when you buy a diamond you can compare its characteristics with those of the GIA plot certificate to assure that you received the same diamond you paid for.
The clarity of a diamond has an impact on the value of the diamond but not necessarily on the appearance. VVS and VS grade diamonds offer both superb value and appearance. And SI grade diamonds are not bad either. Since their flaws are only visible with a 10x magnification, no one will be able to see the difference. I grade diamonds are those that will have noticeable flaws, but not everyone will notice them and some blemishes are more obvious than others. If you are trying to spend as little as possible, I grade diamonds are available.
Do not forget even as a customer you have the right to ask for 10x loupe magnification and check the diamond yourself. You may not be able to see all the minute inclusions a trained gemologist would, but you will see the big flaws if they are present.
By Monica Drusch