Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is a measure of small imperfection on the surface and within the stone.
Before diving into why those tiny imperfection occurs within the diamonds, let’s see how diamonds are formed in nature. Diamonds are the purest form of transparent carbon. They form under enormous pressure and depth, typically around 150 kilometers under the earth’s surface. Natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures appear while the diamonds are being crystalized over millions of years or from the stresses of mining and processing. These characteristics are termed as “Blemishes”, the surface flaws and “Inclusions”, the external flaws. Inclusion may look like tiny crystals, pin points, clouds or feathers, whiles blemishes can be found as nicks, scratches, natural, extra facets or polish marks.
The gemologists determine a diamond’s clarity by considering the size, nature, position, color, and number of these characteristic using 10‐power magnification, which means that the object viewed appears 10 times its actual size. A stone is graded as flawless if, under 10-power magnification, no inclusions and no blemishes are visible. The closer a diamond is to the flawless, the higher is the value. A diamond’ s clarity is categorized into 6 main groups with the total of 11 grades according to GIA.
FL Grade (Flawless)
In FL grade diamonds, no inclusions and blemishes are visible to a skilled gemologist even under 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are extraordinarily rare and the most valuable pieces. Less than 1% of diamonds are flawless as it is nearly impossible to find a diamond which is completely free of internal and external flaws.
IF Grade (Internally Flawless)
IF grade diamonds have no internal imperfections but have minor flaws seen on the surface under 10x loupe. Hence, it, is categorized as FL (Internally Flawless). IF grade diamonds are as flawless as FL diamonds to the naked eyes. These diamonds are also very rare to see.
VVS Grades (Very, Very Slightly Included)
VVS1 – this grade diamonds have minute inclusions which are extremely difficult to very difficult for trained observer to see even under 10x magnification. The inclusions are so minute that it does not have any effect on the diamond’s brilliance. The VVS1 diamonds are also rare and visually flawless to the bare eyes. They have as high value as FL and IF diamonds have.
VVS Grades (Very, Very Slightly Included)
VVS1 – this grade diamonds have minute inclusions which are extremely difficult to very difficult for trained observer to see even under 10x magnification. The inclusions are so minute that it does not have any effect on the diamond’s brilliance. The VVS1 diamonds are also rare and visually flawless to the bare eyes. They have as high value as FL and IF diamonds have.
VVS2 – this clarity grade diamonds have slightly more inclusions than VVS1 diamonds, however, the inclusions are still minute and very difficult to see under 10x magnification. The inclusions in this grade are usually pinpoint, clouds, feathers or cavities.
VS Grades (Very Small Included)
VS1 – these diamonds have small inclusions which are difficult for a qualified grader to see under 10x magnification. The inclusions in this diamond can still be characterized as minor, but they have a slight impact on the diamond’s brilliance and fire. The VS grade diamonds are less expensive than VVS diamonds so they are a great deal for majority of the customers.
VS2 – these diamonds have inclusions which are somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. The inclusions can be feather, cavities or knots. VS2 clarity grade is also popular among the customers. Most customers choose VS2 clarity grade with higher grades of the other Cs for the best deal.
SI Grades (Slightly Included)
SI1 – these diamonds have noticeable inclusions when seen under 10x loupe. In some but rare cases, the inclusions can be seen with keen eyes if study very closely. However, the diamonds’ brilliance and fire are not affected very badly. So, SI1 clarity grade diamonds are the best value and 30% of customers choose this grade. While buying SI1 diamonds, rather than choosing diamonds which have inclusions in the center, choosing the ones which have inclusions near the girdle angle would be the best choice.
SI2 – these diamonds have inclusions and blemishes that are somewhat very easy to see under magnification, some are even visible with a keen unaided eye when viewed from the side. The flaws of SI2 diamonds are somewhat larger and deeper than those of SI1, and have impact on the diamond’s beauty. Therefore, you should be careful while purchasing even though they are of the great value.
I Grades (Included)
I1, I2, I3 – this grade diamonds have obvious inclusions which are very easy to detect both under 10x loupe and with unaided eyes. The inclusions have huge impact on the diamond’s beauty.
Keep in mind that diamonds are unique and none is absolutely perfect under 10× magnification, though some may come close. Perfectly flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare. Even some of the experienced jewelers have never even seen one. It is important to purchase a diamond which is perfect for you according to your preference and as your heart tells you.