Clarity
Absolutely flawless diamonds are as
rare as
absolutely colorless diamonds. In fact,
almost all diamonds have at least a few
imperfections, external/internal blemishes
or irregularities,when viewed under
a microscope or with 10xjeweler’s loupe.
Nevertheless, the presence and location of
inclusions bears upon diamond value since they can impact a gem’s brilliance. Certified
diamonds come with a description of the type and location of each imperfection.
Clarity Grading Scale
FL = Completely Flawless under 10X magnification
IF = Internally Flawless under 10X magnification (only external flaws, which could be
removed by more polishing)
VVS1 -VVS2 = Very, Very Slight Inclusions. Minor flaws detectable only by expert
professional under 10X magnification
VS1 -VS2 = Very Slight Inclusions detectable only under 10X magnification
SI1 - SI-12 = Slight Inclusions detectable (with increasing ease) under 10X magnification
I-1 - I-3 = Imperfect. Imperfections visible with the naked eye.
Diamonds that come with an evaluation certificate from GIA or other independent
laboratory, itemize such imperfections, using a proprietary clarity vocabulary, including:
Pinpoint: A small white dot on the diamond’s surface.
Carbon: A small black dot on the diamond’s surface.
Feathers: Tiny cracks inside the stone Large feathers may “grow” over time,
making the diamond more vulnerable to breakage
Clouds: Hazy areas inside the diamond
Crystal Growth: Small crystalline growth inside the diamond
(Most people view a diamond with only the naked eye, however, so internal perfection may
not be worth the added cost, if a diamond is otherwise alluring, fiery, and dazzling. To
almost every naked eye, diamonds graded IF through SI probably will appear to be
identical in clarity.)
Absolutely flawless diamonds are as
rare as
absolutely colorless diamonds. In fact,
almost all diamonds have at least a few
imperfections, external/internal blemishes
or irregularities,when viewed under
a microscope or with 10xjeweler’s loupe.
Nevertheless, the presence and location of
inclusions bears upon diamond value since they can impact a gem’s brilliance. Certified
diamonds come with a description of the type and location of each imperfection.
Clarity Grading Scale
FL = Completely Flawless under 10X magnification
IF = Internally Flawless under 10X magnification (only external flaws, which could be
removed by more polishing)
VVS1 -VVS2 = Very, Very Slight Inclusions. Minor flaws detectable only by expert
professional under 10X magnification
VS1 -VS2 = Very Slight Inclusions detectable only under 10X magnification
SI1 - SI-12 = Slight Inclusions detectable (with increasing ease) under 10X magnification
I-1 - I-3 = Imperfect. Imperfections visible with the naked eye.
Diamonds that come with an evaluation certificate from GIA or other independent
laboratory, itemize such imperfections, using a proprietary clarity vocabulary, including:
Pinpoint: A small white dot on the diamond’s surface.
Carbon: A small black dot on the diamond’s surface.
Feathers: Tiny cracks inside the stone Large feathers may “grow” over time,
making the diamond more vulnerable to breakage
Clouds: Hazy areas inside the diamond
Crystal Growth: Small crystalline growth inside the diamond
(Most people view a diamond with only the naked eye, however, so internal perfection may
not be worth the added cost, if a diamond is otherwise alluring, fiery, and dazzling. To
almost every naked eye, diamonds graded IF through SI probably will appear to be
identical in clarity.)
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