Diamond Clarity
Diamond Clarity
is a measure of a diamond's internal flaws and impurities. A
diamond that is virtually free of interior or exterior
inclusions (commonly referred to as flaws) is of the highest
quality, for nothing interferes with the passage of light
through the diamond.
To determine a diamond's clarity, it is viewed under 10x
magnification by a trained gemologist. Small
inclusions neither mar its beauty nor endanger its
durability.
Flawless -
No internal or external flaws.
Internally Flawless -
No internal flaws. Very rare and
beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.
VVS1, VVS2 -
Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see
inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality
diamond.
VS1, VS2 -
Very Slightly Included: Inclusions
are not visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the
VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 -
Slightly Included: Inclusions are
visible under 10x magnification, SI clarity diamonds are
usually of the best value since inclusions are not visible
to the naked eye and prices are reasonable when compared to
prices of the VS2 clarity and up grades.
SI3 -
Slightly Included-EGL: SI3 is an EGL grade and is not
recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions. It may
be graded by GIA as either SI2 or I1. SI3 diamonds never
have any black inclusions or cracks visible to the naked
eye, but may have some very minor white inclusions which can
be seen with the naked eye.
I1 -
Included: an I1 clarity diamond
will have a visible flaw which can be seen with the naked
eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not
too obvious. If your budget only allows for an SI3 or I1
clarity diamond, be sure to examine it thoroughly before
purchasing and make sure you can not see any inclusions.
I2, I3 -
Included: These diamonds will have
inclusions visible to the naked eye, and will have many
black spots from the black inclusions and appear cloudy from
the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.
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