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 LARITY
Alas, most things created by nature are not perfect. Almost all diamonds, while dazzling to the eye, contain tiny inclusions that are only visible under 10-power magnification. Most inclusions do not affect the beauty of a diamond, and are called identifying characteristics because they provide a unique fingerprint. No two diamonds are alike. For this reason, a standardized clarity grading system to use as a benchmark for all diamonds is a challenge. A comprehensive scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America that encompasses all diamonds used as jewelry. This scale goes from Flawless to Imperfect to the 3rd degree.
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idazzle.com Facts:
- In the movie, The Pink Panther, the diamond of that name had an inclusion that resembled a leaping panther. While this stone is fictional, it does illustrate that inclusions can be very interesting, and even resemble other things!
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Clarity grade: |
FL - IF |
VVS1 - VVS2 |
VS1 - VS2
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SI1 - SI2 |
I1, I2, I3 |
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Description: |
Flawless to internally flawless |
Very, very small inclusions |
Very small inclusions |
Small inclusions |
Imperfect |
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What it means: |
No visible inclusions when viewed under a 10x microscope |
Inclusions are very difficult to see under a 10x microscope. An expert would have to show a consumer where to look. |
Inclusions are somewhat difficult to see under 10x. A consumer might find the inclusions after searching for a while. |
Inclusions are somewhat easy to see under 10x. A consumer should notice the inclusions relatively quickly. Usually not visible to the unaided eye. |
Inclusions are large enough to see with unaided eye. At I2 and I3, inclusions are large or numerous enough to be durability threatening. Below I3 are generally considered to be industrial quality. |
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To grade clarity, a diamond is scrutinized under 10-power magnification through a
Jeweler's loop or a binocular microscope, which gives greater depth perception.
Inclusions are graded according to size, location, color, nature, number, and relief,
and the diamond is assigned a clarity grade. This is somewhat subjective, based on
the fact that all diamonds are unique, and the final call is ultimately up to the
individual grader. That is why it is important to deal with someone with experience
and integrity. It is also why we recommend an Independent Grading Report that
has a plotting of the diamond, which is a map of the unique interior of that
particular diamond under 10X.
Clarity is generally considered to have slightly less impact on the value of a
diamond, because of the fact that from Internally Flawless to SI2, most of the time,
the inclusions are not eye visible. That gives a diamond buyer a lot of room for
consideration, and opens up many combinations of the four factors. If, after
looking at several diamonds, you decide that clarity is very important to you,
then go for a VVS1. Just understand that you value purity enough to pay more
for something that does not necessarily affect the beauty of the stone as much as
the color or cut. The goal is to be informed, and make the best decision!
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