Diamond Clarity: The Key to a Brilliant Stone
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of internal imperfections or inclusions within a diamond. These inclusions can range from tiny crystals to clouds or feathers, affecting a diamond's brilliance and overall appearance. Understanding diamond clarity is crucial when selecting a stone that combines beauty, value, and durability.
Clarity is synonymous with purity, lucidity, and calm. The dictionary quite appropriately mentions ’spotlessness? which can be quite literally applied to diamond clarity. A diamond's clarity grade is determined under a 10 times magnification by trained gemologists. Although very strict guidelines are in place it is open to judgment and a prudent approach is always highly regarded. This prudent approach is why choosing a diamond with a reputable certification report is very important.
The Clarity Scale
Diamond clarity is graded on a scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Here's a breakdown of the main clarity grades:
TYPICAL IMPERFECTIONS CIRCLED IN RED
Internally Flawless (IF):
An internally flawless IF diamond is very special because there are no internal inclusions, nature has made it perfect. A very small percentage of diamonds are this perfect and when given as a symbol of love this characteristic is highly regarded. The emotional link between a diamond and a couple's union makes the flawless diamond the most revered and sought-after. because of this emotional and symbolic attachment, diamond clarity has the greatest influence on price after carat weight or size. Can there be a more powerful gesture than to propose and declare your love with a D Flawless diamond?
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
A diamond with very very slight inclusions, VVS1, has an amount of non-crystallised carbon often situated around the girdle or edge of the diamond. A very very slight inclusion, VVS2, will have inclusions of the same size but closer to the table or center of the diamond. Both VVS grades represent high quality and near-perfect clarity. diamonds with IF or VVS characteristics are considered investment quality and the purist will insist on this clarity. Having few inclusions will improve the performance of light return and sparkle so these diamonds are sought after for their beauty. The price is proportional to the amount of inclusions in every diamond. IF and VVS diamonds have a significant premium because of their scarcity.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
VS quality diamonds represent good value and retain a high clarity rating. A VS1 diamond will contain inclusions around the girdle or edge and the VS2 will have a similar amount of inclusions around the table and more central areas of the diamond. VS quality diamonds are ?eye-clean?, which suggests that no visible marks can be seen with the naked eye, and we recommend this classification for quality-minded purchasers.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
Slight inclusion, Si1 quality diamonds are graded as Si1, Si2, and a not-so-common Si3. A Si1 quality diamond is considered to be eye-clean although unaided but very close viewing or a trained eye could identify the inclusions. The fact that such concentrated unaided analysis is not normally performed by brides-to-be or their friends at dinner parties makes these diamonds popular as they are priced significantly below the VS quality diamonds. Having an eye-clean diamond is the preference of nearly all diamond buyers and we would stress that Si1 diamonds are considered eye-clean because the location of the inclusion is difficult to detect and usually around the edge. However, we always add our own particular caveat. 'Stones commonly referred to as eye-clean have no visible marks when viewed with the naked eye UNLESS you are female. 'Slight inclusion, Si2 quality diamonds have slight inclusions that are often located around the table and include black carbon which contrasts with a diamond's whiteness and is more noticeable. We would advise customers against Si2 clarity diamonds as they usually have at least 1 noticeable inclusion and so we consider them unfit to recommend. For the budget shopper who is interested in carat size a Si2 diamond could be appropriate but we would recommend having the diamond professionally reviewed prior to an unsighted purchase and we are happy to perform this service. Slight Inclusion, Si3 clarity diamonds are a new scale that the European Gemological Laboratory EGL introduced as there was perceived to be a significant difference between an SI2 and an I1. The SI3 has not been endorsed by other grading laboratories at this time and only time will tell if it is ever accepted into mainstream grading.
Included (I1, I2, and I3)- We don't sell these!!
Are all very poor clarity diamonds with an I1 being visibly included. I clarity diamonds lose light return because the inclusions are so large the light that enters the diamond can be refracted at random angles. The many inclusions also weaken the diamond's durability and a jeweller can more easily chip the stone when setting it into a ring. These diamonds I1, I2, and I3 are suitable for when size matters and a low budget requires very poor clarity.
The Impact of Clarity on a Diamond
- Brilliance and Sparkle: Diamonds with fewer inclusions typically exhibit greater brilliance and sparkle due to their ability to reflect light more efficiently.
- Value: Diamonds with higher clarity grades, such as FL, IF, and VVS, are generally more valuable due to their rarity and superior appearance.
- Eye Clean: A diamond considered "eye clean" has no visible inclusions to the naked eye. This is often the preferred clarity for most buyers.
Choosing the Right Clarity
When selecting a diamond, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Higher clarity grades come with a higher price tag.
- Personal Preference: Some people prioritize clarity over other characteristics, while others may be more focused on color or carat weight.
- Intended Use: Diamonds for engagement rings often demand higher clarity for maximum brilliance, while smaller diamonds for earrings or pendants may have more flexibility.
While clarity is an essential factor, it's important to consider the overall package when choosing a diamond. Factors such as color, cut, and carat weight also play a significant role in a diamond's beauty and value.
At CompareTheDiamond.com, our experts can guide you through the intricacies of diamond clarity and help you select a stone that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Would you like to learn more about the other Cs of diamonds: color, cut, and carat weight?