Be Clear on Clarity
Clarity Most diamonds have inclusions trapped inside them known as crystals, clouds, and feathers. These markings are the characteristics that were captured in the diamond when the crystal was growing before dinosaurs roamed the earth. They tell the story of the diamond’s natural formation. Clarity grades are a way to rank their influence on beauty, durability and rarity.
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FL |
VVS1 |
VVS2 |
VS1 |
VS2 |
SI1 |
SI2 |
I1 |
I2 |
I3 |
Click to enlarge clarity example.
Note that each clarity grade can have an unlimited number of possible variations. No two will look alike. These are offered only as representations.
What determines the Clarity grade given? A diamond is graded based on the overall visibility of the inclusions under 10 power magnification. Size, number, position and type of inclusions determine the final grade. A large inclusion is more visible than a small one of the same type. However, a smaller inclusion that is darker may stand out more than a larger lighter inclusion. This higher visibility will earn a lower grade. A diamond with a large number of small inclusions may be graded the same as a diamond with fewer but larger inclusions.
The position of the inclusion can also have an affect on visibility. An inclusion that is in the center could earn the diamond a lower grade than one placed more inconspicuously toward the edge. Some types of inclusions that extend too close to the edge provide a weak spot that invites cleavage. Although less visible, they affect durability and necessitate a lower clarity grade.
What is the GIA grade scale? Offered here is a brief layman’s translation:
- FL of IF (flawless or internally flawless). Absolutely free from inclusions. Internally flawless may still have extremely minor surface blemishes.
- VVS1-VVS2 (very very slight inclusions).Contains tiny pinpoints that are nearly insignificant. They are very difficult to find by the trained eye under 10 power magnification. The number 1 refers to the upper end of the grade while 2 refers to the lower end.
- VS1-VS2 (very slight inclusions) Within this range are diamonds with small inclusions that are still fairly difficult to locate by the trained eye.
- SI1-SI2 (slight inclusions) contain inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification with little difficulty by the trained eye. They are not visible to the unaided eye.
- I1 (Included- Grade 1) Inclusions may be seen by the unaided eye and can be easily seen under 10 power magnification.
- I2 (Included- Grade 2) Inclusions are more serious that impact either visibility or durability.
- I3 (included- Grade 3) Both visibility and durability are significantly affected by inclusions in this grade.
How Clarity affects value: Inclusions are sometimes referred to as nature’s fingerprint. Nature doesn’t produce many crystals without these characteristics. Diamonds in the highest clarity grades are extremely rare. Anything rare and in demand will increase in value. However, clarity is only one of the criteria that will determine the value of a diamond. The overall beauty of a diamond plays a larger role in demand and therefore value. Beauty is determined by a balance of all four factors, known as the 4 C’s.
How Clarity affects brilliance: When light enters a diamond, it is reflected and refracted out. If there is anything disrupting the flow of light in a diamond, a portion of light will be lost. As a result, brilliance may be diminished by some degree. The number of disruptions affect the amount of light lost. However, there are other more important factors that affect brilliance. Many consider clarity to have the least influence on a diamond’s sparkle, especially in grades where inclusions are only apparent under magnification.
Clarity characteristics can identify your diamond: No two diamonds are exactly alike. Clarity characteristics can not
be easily altered when they are deep inside your diamond. They are like birthmarks like the included garnet crystal that nature left inside the diamond pictured here. Laser engraved inscriptions on the girdle edge of a diamond are often used to identify a diamond but they can be polished off.
How you can judge the accuracy of a clarity grade: Since grading is based on expert opinion, the clarity grade of one appraiser may differ from another appraiser. If you are comparing grades, all diamonds should be graded by the same appraiser or lab. Reputable labs include GIA (Gemological Institute of America), EGL (European Gemological Laboratory), AGS (American Gem Society).
Comparing grades verses comparing diamonds: Grades don’t always tell the whole story. You must also look at the diamonds. The more experience you get looking at diamonds under magnification, the less reliant you are on grades. Get to know what to expect with a specific clarity grade. It's easy to be your own expert. Examine any diamond that you are considering with 10 power magnification or more.
Mills Jewelers offers Gemvision diamond viewing: Our camera is connected a monitor where you can view diamonds at up to 60 power magnification. It’s easy to view clarity differences on the video screen. We can print a full color picture of whatever is on the screen for you to take with you for comparison. You’ll enjoy the discovery. Stop in and gain the confidence to choose the perfect diamond to represent your love.
We require certificates of origin through the "Kimberly Process" to insure
all diamonds from
Mills Jewelers are "Conflict Free". Click here for more
information.
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