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Home » Loose Diamonds Education » The 4Cs of Diamonds » Diamond Clarity
Loose Diamond Education at A&W Diamonds
4C's:Diamond Clarity – the Loose Diamond 4 C’s
Diamond clarity is graded by using a microscope or diamond loupe, examining the diamond with a magnification of 10x power, and assigning it a clarity grade. There is no other gem that is graded as strictly.
To properly grade a diamond one must consider both the number of inclusions and how noticeable the inclusions are.
In fact a professional grader takes the following six factors into consideration when grading a loose diamond: Position, Size, Color, Number, Nature (the type of inclusion), Relief (the thickness of the inclusion).
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On a diamond laboratory certificate, clarity is usually marked on a diagram that is called a plot (see certificates...). The chart below shows the full range of clarity grades from very imperfect (I3) to flawless (FL).
Diamond Clarity Chart
| Clarity Grade |
Description |
| FL |
Flawless |
Free of internal and external flaws at 10x |
| IF |
Internally flawless |
No internal flaws, minor external blemishes at 10x |
| VVS1, VVS2 |
Very very slight inclusions |
Even a diamond professional will have a difficult time seeing the inclusions at 10X magnification |
| VS1, VS2 |
Very slight inclusions |
The inclusions are difficult to see under 10X magnification |
| SI1, SI2, SI3 |
Slight inclusions |
Fairly easy to see under 10X magnification, might be visible to the naked eye |
| I1 |
Included |
Inclusions are visible to the naked eye |
| I2, I3 |
Included |
Inclusions that are very visible to the naked eye and may threaten the stones durability |
Diamond Clarity – What should you consider?
This choice depends on your budget, the carat weight, the color and what jewelry type the diamond is intended for.
For example, diamond earrings generally require a lower clarity grade since they are worn on the ears and can’t be seen from close up. Engagement rings should have a higher clarity since they are more likely to be held to the eye. With a 3 stone diamond anniversary ring, you would probably do better with a higher clarity center stone and lower clarity side stones; they are usually smaller so inclusions are more difficult to spot.
Diamond Clarity Save on Money:
Why Pay Extra for Clarity? Let’s face it; people will never notice imperfections with the naked eye that a jeweler notices by using a diamond loupe or microscope.
If you have reached your budget, but want a larger diamond, better cut or color, then clarity is a good place to save. You can get a diamond with lower, but very fine clarity and still stay within your original budget.
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