Diamond Clarity Ratings
Diamond clarity ratings look specifically at the flaws that a diamond has, it is a judgment of the diamond’s purity. All diamonds have unique, natural blemishes, but if a diamond contains a higher number of blemishes then the value will decrease. The clearer the stone is, the higher value it will have.
When looking at diamond clarity ratings, an appraiser will consider both external and internal blemishes that can be seen under a 10x magnifier, these flaws are also known as “inclusions.”
Diamond inclusions may be imperfections within a diamond, tiny spots of black, white or other colors that can be seen within the diamond, small cracks either internally or externally, cloudy spots, or small crystals. Most of these flaws cannot be seen by the bare eye, magnification is required– even by an expert.
The flaws that a diamond contains actually does not affect the brilliance of the stone, but a diamond that contains less inclusions is considered more valuable because it is more rare. If you are not concerned about the value of the stone, and instead more concerned about the brilliance and look of the stone, then you can sacrifice the diamond clarity to save money. You cay consider purchasing a stone that has small flaws that can be hidden by the ring setting. All diamond clarity ratings can still look beautiful if you have the right cut and color.
Inclusions that are visible to the naked eye will decrease the value of the diamond more than flaws that can only be viewed by a microscope. Although these small flaws can be viewed under a microscope, many times the between a diamond rated “IF,” “VVS,” or “VS” cannot be distinguished without the magnification.
Diamond clarity ratings are based on the number of inclusions that the diamond has, the size of the inclusions, the location of the inclusions, and the nature of the inclusions. The GIA diamond clarity rating is divided into six categories and eleven grades. All of these grades are based on 10x magnification of the diamond. These diamond clarity ratings are as follows:
- Flawless (FL)- Flawless diamonds do not have inclusions or flaws. The internal graining is not visible when looking at the face of the diamond and the stone does not contain any discoloration. Small naturals are acceptable on the diamond girdle as long as they do not flatten the girdle.
- Internally Flawless (IF)- Internally flawless diamonds do not have any inclusions or flaws on the inside of the diamond. The diamond may have small blemishes on the external diamond surface.
- Very, Very Slightly Included category (VVS1 and VVS2)- This grade of diamonds have small inclusions, these inclusions are so slight that it is difficult for even a skilled appraiser to see the flaws. A VVS1 diamond may have small inclusions that are the size of pinpoints, whereas a VVS2 diamond may hive slightly larger flaws.
- Very Slightly Included category (VS1 and VS2)- VS diamonds have inclusions that are minor, but they are larger blemishes than the VVS grade diamonds. Typically, these flaws cannot be seen by the naked eye, although a stone may receive a VS rating if there is a small visible inclusion that is found in a less visible location, such as at the edge of the stone. A diamond that is given the VS1 rating will have a higher clarity than a diamond that is given a VS2 rating.
- Slightly Included category (SI1 and SI2)- Diamonds that receive a grade of SI have small to medium sized flaws that are easy to see under magnification. These flaws may be noticeable without magnification. A diamond that is given the SI1 rating will have a higher clarity than a diamond that is given a SI2 rating.
- Included category (I1, I2, and I3)- Include diamonds have flaws that are very clearly visible when viewed under magnification. These flaws are usually visible to the naked eye. Additionally, stones that receive an “I” diamond clarity rating have flaws that may threaten the durability of the gem– such as cracks or flaws that may cause the stone to chip or break. A diamond that is given the I1 rating will have a higher clarity than a diamond that is given an I2 rating, and a diamond that is given an I2 rating will have a higher clarity rating than a diamond that is given an I3 rating. Diamonds with an I2 rating have flaws that are easily visible to the naked eye, and I3 diamonds have large flaws within the stone that are very easy to view without magnification. The flaws on a diamond with an IS rating will most likely threaten the durability of the diamond.
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