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Another vital grading characteristic in diamonds is their
clarity. This refers to the number, position and size of the
inclusions that occur naturally inside diamonds. The fewer
and less obvious the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond.
Here is an illustration that shows the clarity grading scale
that has been established by the world’s foremost authority
on diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
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Clarity
Guide |
| FL |
Flawless Grade |
The diamond shows no inclusions or
blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification when observed
by an experienced grader. |
| IF |
Internally Flawless |
The diamond has no inclusions when
examined by an experienced grader using 10X magnification,
but will have some minor blemishes.
Note: Truly flawless or internally flawless (F or IF on
the GIA’s grading scale) diamonds are extremely rare.
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| VVS1 VVS2 |
Very Very slightly included |
The diamond contains minute inclusions
that are difficult even for experienced graders to see
under 10X magnification. |
| VS1 VS2 |
Very slightly included |
The diamond contains minute inclusions
such as small crystals, clouds or feathers when observed
with effort under 10X magnification. |
| SI1 SI2 SI3 |
Slightly included |
The diamond contains inclusions (clouds,
included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that
are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10X magnification.
|
I1
I2
I3 |
Included |
The diamond contains inclusions (possibly
large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious
under 10X magnification and may affect transparency and
brilliance. |
It is the inclusions, or blemishes, that give each diamond
its own unique fingerprint, making your particular diamond
truly yours. In fact, the independent grading report that
comes with every diamond we sell will show a diagram indicting
any characteristic your diamond, indicating any blemishes
your diamond may have, as well as their location.
Click
here to see what a grading report looks like. The most
important thing to remember when it comes to clarity is that
a diamond’s inclusions should not be noticeable to the
naked eye, nor should they be so excessive that they affect
the diamond’s durability.
Find out about the ‘Carat’
Weight
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