Clarity: the mark of uniqueness
When diamonds were formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure, traces of other gemstones, minerals or gasses may have been trapped inside the diamond material as it cooled. These elements may turn up as tiny specks or crystals that may look like feathers or clouds inside each diamond. Because diamonds formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain unique birthmarks, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). Inclusions and are often referred to as Nature's fingerprints or a diamond's birthmarks; they make each diamond different and unique from the next. Clarity is also measured by the GIA's grading scale, and the most valuable and rare grade is FL, or flawless. No diamond is absolutely perfect under 10× magnification, though some come close. Known as flawless (FL) diamonds, these are exceptionally rare and most jewelers have never seen one. Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions and blemishes. The fewer and less visible these birthmarks are, the more valuable a diamond is. Diamonds without these birthmarks are rare, and rarity affects a diamond’s value. Using the GIA International Diamond Grading System™, diamonds are assigned a clarity grade that ranges from flawless (FL) to diamonds with obvious inclusions (I3). The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories. In determining a clarity grade, the GIA system considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10× magnification. |
Flawless: FL
No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification Internally Flawless: IF No inclusions and only blemishes arevisible to a skilled grader using 10×magnification Very, Very Slightly Included: VVS1 and VVS2 Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification and we normally suggest using higher magnification to detect any inclusions at this clarity level Very Slightly Included: VS1 and VS2 Inclusions are clearly visible under 10× magnification but can be characterized as minor Slightly Included: SI1 and SI2 Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader using 10× magnification Included: I1, I2, and I3 Inclusions are obvious under 10×magnification and are typically visible to the naked eye and may affect transparency and brilliance |
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