When buying a diamond, it is important to consider the 4 Cs: carat weight, color, cut, and clarity. In this blog post, we will be focusing on clarity. Here is a helpful overview of diamond clarity so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond.
What is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the number of blemishes or inclusions—natural surface imperfections or internal flaws—that are present in a diamond and it is graded on a 6-point scale. The fewer blemishes or inclusions a diamond has, the higher its clarity will be. The higher the grade, the fewer blemishes or inclusions present, and vice versa.
Most blemishes or inclusions are too small to be seen by the naked eye. However, some inclusions can be seen without magnification, and these are known as “eye-visible.” Of course, diamonds with no visible blemishes or inclusions are extremely rare (and very expensive)!
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale: A Helpful Explanation of Each Grade
What are the different clarity grades? The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.
1. The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale is a grading system used to evaluate the clarity of diamonds. The scale ranges from flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to included (visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification).
2. Flawless
Flawless diamonds are the highest quality and most rare, with no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are typically only found in auction houses or private collections.
3. Internally Flawless
Internally flawless diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have minor blemishes on the surface of the stone. These diamonds are also quite rare and typically only found in high-end jewelry stores.
4. Very, Very Slightly Included
Very, very slightly included diamonds have very small inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions typically do not affect the diamond’s brilliance or fire and are still considered high-quality stones.
5. Slightly Included
Slightly included diamonds have small inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification and may affect the diamond’s brilliance or fire. These stones are still quite beautiful and make up the majority of diamonds sold commercially.
6. Included
Included diamonds have large inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and affect the diamond’s brilliance or fire. These stones are typically used for industrial purposes or as part of a piece of costume jewelry.
The categories are as follows: flawless, internally flawless, very very slightly included, very slightly included, slightly included, and included.
Clarity Characteristics of a Diamond
Cloud
A cloud is not a single flaw in a diamond; rather, it’s a collection of extremely tiny pinpoints grouped that may impair the diamond’s brilliance. If a diamond has many big clouds, it’s referred to as a cloudy diamond.
Graining
Due to the uneven crystal development, this inclusion produces internal graining that manifests as white, colored, or reflecting lines, giving the diamond a highly hazy look
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Now that you understand what diamond clarity is and how it’s measured, you might be wondering how important it really is. After all, if you can’t see the difference between a flawless diamond and one with a few small blemishes, does it really matter?
The answer is yes…and no. It all depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a beautiful diamond that sparkles and shines, then yes, you should definitely pay attention to clarity. However, if you’re on a tight budget, then you might want to consider sacrificing some clarity for size or color instead. Ultimately, it’s up to you!
Conclusion
When shopping for a diamond, be sure to keep in mind the 4 Cs: carat weight, color, cut, and clarity. Of these factors, clarity is often overlooked but it is just as important as the others! Use this blog post as a reference guide so that you can better understand each grade on the diamond clarity scale before making your final purchase. Remember, diamonds with FL or IF grades are very rare so they will come with a hefty price tag but they will certainly sparkle brightly forever!
FAQ – Diamond Clarity Chart
How clarity grades are determined?
As for clarity, this refers to the number and size of any blemishes or inclusions on the diamond. These can be seen with the naked eye, or they may require magnification. While some people prefer diamonds with few or no inclusions, others find that these blemishes add character to the stone. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what level of clarity is right for them. A qualified jeweler can help assess a diamond’s clarity and can offer guidance on making a purchase.
What’s the best diamond clarity?
The best diamond clarity grade is FL, flawless.
What is the most common clarity grade?
The most common clarity grade is VVS1, which stands for “Very Very Slightly Included 1.” This means that there are very few inclusions present in the diamond, and they are only visible under 10x magnification. However, even with this high level of clarity, it is still possible to see some white feathering or tiny crystals when viewed from certain angles. The next most common clarity grade is VVS2, which has slightly more inclusions than VVS1 but is still considered to be very high quality. These inclusions are usually not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a loupe or microscope.
What is the rarest clarity grade?
Internally flawless stones are incredibly rare, and only a handful are discovered each year. As a result, they are highly prized by collectors and can command high prices at auction.
What is the difference between flawless and included diamonds?
A flawless diamond is one that has no blemishes or inclusions. Inclusions are imperfections found within the diamond, such as cracks, Mineral deposits, or tiny fractures. These imperfections can affect the clarity of the diamond and make it less brilliant. However, it is important to note that even diamonds with inclusions can be beautiful. In fact, many people prefer the unique look of an included diamond over a flawless one. The key is to find a diamond that has inclusions that do not affect its overall appearance. When choosing an included diamond, it is also important to consider the size, number, and location of the inclusion. Smaller inclusions that are located near the edge of the diamond are less noticeable than large ones that are centrally located. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether they prefer a flawless or included diamond.
No products in the cart.