Clarity
Diamond Clarity Chart
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the assessment of small imperfections that are present on the surface and within the diamond. These imperfections are known as blemishes when they are present on the surface, and inclusions when they are found internally. In most cases, these imperfections do not affect the diamond's beauty since they are not visible to the naked eye. Gemmologists often refer to inclusions as "internal characteristics," which give a natural diamond its unique character. It is important to note that diamonds with the fewest and smallest inclusions receive the highest clarity grades, which results in higher price tags.
It is essential to remember that all diamonds are unique and not perfect since they are formed underground due to enormous pressure and heat. Natural inclusions and blemishes are inevitable.
Diamond Clarity Spans 6 Categories With A Total Of 11 Clarity Grades
Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions or blemishes, within a diamond. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the size, nature, number, and location of these imperfections.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) categorizes diamond clarity into six categories, which are further divided into a total of 11 different grades. The six categories are as follows:
Flawless (FL): These diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. They are extremely rare and valuable.
Internally Flawless (IF): These diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but they may have minor blemishes on the surface. They are also rare and valuable.
Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): These diamonds have inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. VVS1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than VVS2 diamonds, and both are of high quality.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): These diamonds have inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification, but they are minor and do not affect the diamond's overall appearance. VS1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than VS2 diamonds, and both are of good quality.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): These diamonds have inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification, but they do not affect the diamond's overall appearance. SI1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than SI2 diamonds, and both are of medium quality.
Included (I1, I2, and I3): These diamonds have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and can affect the diamond's overall appearance and durability. I1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than I2 diamonds, and I2 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than I3 diamonds. These diamonds are of lower quality and are often less expensive.
It is important to note that while diamonds with higher clarity grades are more rare and valuable, diamonds with lower clarity grades can still be beautiful and valuable if the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and do not affect the diamond's overall beauty. It is also important to have a certified gemologist assess the diamond's clarity to determine its quality and value.
The Five Diamond Clarity Factors
Diamond clarity is determined by five factors, which are used to evaluate the presence, size, location, nature, and quantity of inclusions and blemishes within a diamond. These factors are as follows:
Size: The size of the inclusion or blemish affects the diamond's clarity grade. Larger inclusions or blemishes are more visible and can lower the diamond's clarity grade.
Number: The number of inclusions or blemishes within a diamond can also affect the clarity grade. A diamond with fewer inclusions or blemishes will have a higher clarity grade than a diamond with more inclusions or blemishes.
Nature: The nature of the inclusion or blemish is another factor that affects the clarity grade. Some inclusions or blemishes are more visible or have a more negative impact on the diamond's brilliance and beauty than others.
Location: The location of the inclusion or blemish within the diamond is also important. Inclusions or blemishes that are located near the center of the diamond or on the top of the diamond (the table) are more visible and can lower the diamond's clarity grade.
Relief: The relief of the inclusion or blemish refers to how visible it is against the diamond's background. Inclusions or blemishes with high relief are more visible and can lower the diamond's clarity grade.
These five factors are used by gemologists to determine the diamond's overall clarity grade, which ranges from Flawless (FL) tohigher clarity grades arelower clarity grades,naked eye and do not affect the diamond's overall beauty.
The Relationship Between Diamond Shape And Clarity
Diamond shape can affect clarity because different diamond shapeshave different facets, which can affect how light is reflected and refracted within the diamond. Some diamond shapes, such as the round brilliant cut, are known for their ability to hide inclusions and blemishes due to their facet arrangement, while other shapes such as the emerald cuthave fewer facets and may expose inclusions more easily.
What are some common inclusions that can be found in diamonds?
Diamonds can
Clouds: Clouds are clusters of tiny inclusions that can create a hazy or milky appearance within the diamond.
Feathers: Feathers are small, hair-like fractures within the diamond that can resemble feathers. They can be caused by the diamond being subjected to high pressure or heat.
Pinpoints: Pinpoints are tiny, pinpoint-sized inclusions that can be scattered throughout the diamond. They are typically not visible to the naked eye.
Crystals: Crystals are small, angular inclusions that can resemble tiny minerals within the diamond.
Knots: Knots are inclusions that are located on the surface of the diamond and can sometimes be visible to the naked eye.
Cavities: Cavities are small openings or voids within the diamond that can be caused by gas bubbles or other imperfections.
Needles: Needles are long, thin inclusions that can resemble needles within the diamond.
SI Diamonds And VS Diamonds Are The Best Value
SI (Slightly Included) diamonds and VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds are often considered to be the best value because they offer a balance between diamond clarity and price.
SI diamonds have inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification, but they do not affect the diamond's overall appearance. SI diamonds are of medium quality and are often less expensive than higher clarity grades such as VS or VVS diamonds. However, many SI diamonds can still be very beautiful and have inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, making them a great value for buyers who want a diamond that looks great without breaking the bank.
VS diamonds have inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification, with VS1 having fewer and smaller inclusions than VS2. These diamonds are of high quality but are often less expensive than FL or IF diamonds. VS diamonds offer a balance between diamond clarity and price, making them a popular choice for buyers who want a high-quality diamond that is still affordable.