Loose Diamonds Education
4C's: Loose Diamonds Clarity
Loose Diamond clarity is graded by using a microscope or diamond loupe, examining loose diamonds 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 loose 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 loose diamonds: Position, Size, Color, Number, Nature (the type of inclusion), Relief (the thickness of the inclusion).
On a loose 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
Loose Diamonds Clarity - What to consider?
This choice depends on your budget, the carat weight, the color and what jewelry type the loose diamonds are intended for.
For example, diamond earrings generally require a lower clarity grade of loose diamonds since they are worn on the ears and can't be seen from close up. Engagement rings should have a higher clarity loose diamond since they are more likely to be held to the eye. With a 3 stone diamond anniversary ring, you would probably do better with loose diamonds with ahigher clarity center stone and lower clarity side stones; they are usually smaller so inclusions are more difficult to spot.
Loose Diamonds Clarity - Save 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 loose diamond, better cut or color, then clarity is a good place to save. You can get a loose diamond with lower, but very fine clarity and still stay within your original budget.
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