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Clarity refers to how
many flaws, or inclusions, are in the diamond. In most cases,
clarity has very little to do with the beauty of the diamonds;
rather, it affects how the diamond looks under a gem microscope.
To determine a diamond's clarity grade, it must be examined
under 10x magnification. Diamond Clarity as graded by GIA
Standards are IF, VVS, VS, SI or I in clarity. Whatever minute
inclusions there may be makes each diamond unique. These are
nature's fingerprints and in most cases usually do not mar the diamond's
beauty nor endanger its durability. Without high magnification,
these flaws are invisible. However, the fewer inclusions, the
rarer your diamond will be. Generally, if a diamond is SI-2 or
above, it is flawless to the naked eye. If there is even a tiny
inclusion visible to the unaided eye, the stone is usually
graded an I-1.
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FL & IF
Diamonds that reveal no flaws on the surface or internally.
These are the rarest and most beautiful gems treasured for their
absolute purity. |
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VVS1 or VVS2
Diamonds with minute inclusions absolutely invisible to the
naked eye. Only through careful inspection with a microscope can
these tiny inclusions be accurately pinpointed. The brilliance
of the stone does not suffer in this category. |
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VS1 or VS2
Diamonds with tiny inclusions difficult to locate. Only a
trained eye looking through a 10X loupe can pinpoint the
inclusions in this category. The inclusions are nearly
impossible to see with the naked eye. |
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SI1 - SI3
Diamonds with inclusions easily identified through a loupe.
Finding flaws in this category with the naked eye is difficult.
The gems in this category maintain their integrity, depending on
the location of the inclusions. They are an attractive choice
when working within a fixed budget without sacrificing beauty or
value. |
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I1 - I3
Diamonds with inclusions that may or may not be easily seen by
the naked eye. The flaws on the stones in this category will
have some effect on the brilliance of your diamond. |
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Viewing a Diamond
using a Microscope
A jeweler engaged in the selling of fine quality diamonds should have a
stereo microscope for you to view your diamond. Some stores would prefer
you use a hand held small 10x loop. An untrained person will have a
difficult time using this and probably not be able to see much. Ask if
they have a microscope. If so, focus the microscope yourself, to adjust
for your eyesight. A microscope has a very small depth of field. It is
possible, with a slight adjustment to make an inclusion completely out
of focus and the diamond will still appear to be clear. Move the diamond
and view it at various angles to check for flaws. A microscope can be
used for two reasons. The main should be to help you understand what you
are buying and the other maybe to criticize your personal diamond which
you purchased somewhere else. Unless you have purchased a flawless
diamond and paid a very high price, your diamond and the majority of
others probably have one or more inclusion. Diamonds are graded using
10X power but most diamond scopes also have a 30X power setting. Using
the 30X setting will make even the slightest flaw frightening to an
untrained person. Therefore, it could be used to make your personal or
another stores diamond look bad. Ask what power setting is being used.
Remember 10X is the grading standard.
Diamond Clarity -
Common Clarity Grades are IF, VVS, VS, SI and I
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