Learn More about the Clarity of a Diamond
The clarity is a determination of the amount and extent of the flaws
contained in the diamond. As you would probably conclude, the fewer the
flaws, the more valuable the diamond. It is exceptionally unusual to
find a completely flawless diamond. In fact only a few hundred "FL"
(completely flawless) quality diamonds are generated each year
worldwide.
The description of clarity is derived from several grading systems. The
most well known is the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) scale.
This institute classifies diamonds as Flawless (FK), Internally Flawless
(IF), very, very slightly included (VVS), very slightly included (VS),
slightly imperfect (SI), and imperfect (I).
Although it may seem a bit biased, the GIA scale has explicit standards
that it uses to distinguish between the various grades of diamonds, such
as the difference between "very very" slight and "very slight. The
diamond classifications are stated below.
FL: Completely flawless stone.
IF: Internally flawless. There are external flaws present, which can be
eliminated by merely polishing the stone.
VVS1-VVS2: The flaws can only be perceived by an expert while utilizing
a 10X microscope. The definition entails that if an expert can visualize
a flaw from the top of the diamond, it is a VVS2. But if the expert can
only detect a flaw when looking at the diamond from the bottom, it is a
VVS1.
VS1-VS2: A person could see flaws with a 10X microscope, but it will
probably take more than 20 seconds to spot them.
SI1-SI2: Flaws can be seen with a 10X microscope.
I1-I3: Flaws can be seen with the naked eye. It is probably best not to
purchase diamonds of this quality.
Diamonds may contain different types of flaws. In order to familiarize
yourself with them, look at many diamonds. The more common ones are:
Pinpoint: A tiny white dot on the exterior of the stone. This is the
most common flaw.
Carbons: A tiny black dot on the surface of the stone. These are not as
common as pinpoint flaws.
Feathers: These are small cracks within the actual stone that appear
similar to broken glass. Even though the small internal feathers are
harmless, they will lower the clarity rating of the diamond. However,
large feathers can be a problem since the crack can increase in size as
the diamond ages.
Clouds: These are hazy spots contained within the diamond that are
composed of multiple small crystals than cannot be seen individually.
Crystal Growth: This is a little crystalline growth contained within the
diamond; it resembles a small diamond within the larger diamond.
Clarity cannot be judged accurately by an inexperienced purchaser,
therefore, it is best to educate yourself by scrutinizing many diamonds
before selecting a diamond for purchase. A good, reputable jeweler will
be glad to spend time with you in order to educate you on the clarity of
the stone. Have different jewelers point out the flaws in various stones
until you are able to detect certain flaws on your own.
A consequence to avoid when you are shopping for diamond clarity is the
"clarity-enhanced" diamond. This is a simulated process which is used to
"fix" the flaws on a stone that is otherwise a good quality stone. Even
though a clarity-enhanced diamond may look almost flawless, it may be
impossible to detect the enhancement, and it may be essentially worth as
much as a flawed stone. In addition, the durability is not nearly as
high quality as that of a pure diamond. Have the jeweler confirm that
the stone you are considering is not clarity-enhanced. Also double-check
the GIA certificate. Request that the jeweler document that the diamond
is not clarity-enhanced on the appraisal if you do not receive a GIA
certificate with your stone.
Clarity is the least important of the four Cs to many people when they
are considering the purchase of a diamond. The reason is probably that
they feel that they do not need to spend a lot of money on a VVS1
diamond when an SI2 will look virtually the same to the naked eye.
However, you should consider purchasing a diamond with a clarity above
SI1 if you are going to purchase an emerald cut, or any other step cut.
The reason for this is that the clarity flaws are much more visible in
step cuts than in brilliant cuts.
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