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Clarity
Clarity refers to the quantity, size, position,
nature, color and relief of inclusions in a
diamond. Though a diamond is said to be
flawless if no inclusions or superficial
blemishes can be seen under a standard
10-power jewelers loupe, truly flawless diamonds
are extremely rare. It is possible to find in
virtually all diamonds the minute crystals,
feathers and clouds that are called inclusions.
With so
many variables, the gemological laboratories that grade
diamonds must apply a detailed system of rules and
standards in order to summarize a clarity grade.
Look for a clarity
plot on a diamond certificate, or grading report, to get a
clear idea of the number and size of inclusions in a
particular diamond. From this map, you can gauge a
diamond's clarity without even seeing the diamond.
Gemologists use grades of clarity to summarize the
number, location, size, and type of inclusions a
diamond has. These grades range from flawless (FL)
and internally flawless (IF) to included (I3), with the
numbers indicating varying degrees of quality within a
grade (1 being the best).
When you are picking out a diamond, choose one that
has no
inclusions visible to the unaided eye, like VS1 and VS2.
Diamonds of this clarity are much less expensive than
flawless diamonds, and will not contain inclusions that
would otherwise detract from the beauty of the diamond.
But, if you'd rather not compromise on clarity but are
budget conscious, choose a diamond with a good cut
and G or H color.
| International Clarity Grading Scales
|
|
Loupe Clean
|
FL
IF
|
Flawless
Internally Flawless
|
|
VVS1
VVS2
|
VVS1
VVS2
|
Very, Very
Small Inclusions
Very, Very
Slightly Included
|
|
VS1
VS2
|
VS1
VS2
|
Very Small
Inclusions
Very Slightly
Included
|
|
SI1
SI2
SI3
|
SI1
SI2
SI3
|
Small Inclusions
Slightly Included
Slightly Included
|
|
| P1
|
I1
|
Pique 1
Imperfect 1
|
|
| P2
|
I2
|
Pique 2
Imperfect 2
|
|
| P3
|
I3
|
Pique 3
Imperfect 3
|
|
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