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Clarity (Second in the 4 C's)
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Standards
The term "Clarity" refers to how clear or pure a diamond is. As with everything else in the world, the better it is the more it costs. The clarity grade is determined by a skilled diamond grader based upon the number, size, nature and location of the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections.
Inclusions are defined by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as "characteristics which are entirely inside a stone or extend into it from the surface." These internal clarity characteristics, refer to natural impurities or markings such as: other mineral crystals, or small diamond particles that are present within the host diamond; feathers and/or breaks; carbon spots; air bubbles; pin points; clouds; knots; naturals; visible distortions of the crystal structure; and even laser drill holes left by man's attempts to remove or lighten other natural inclusions.
Blemishes according to the GIA are "characteristics confined to or primarily affecting the surface." These can be in the form of scratches, small nicks, chips, abraded facet edges, and portions of the rough crystals surface left on the finished diamond (naturals).
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FL |
Flawless
Describes a diamond in which a trained observer, under ideal lighting conditions, cannot see any inclusions or surface blemishes, after thorough examination with a binocular microscope at ten power magnification or with a 10x corrected loupe. |
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IF |
Internally Flawless
Describes diamonds which have no internal characteristics observable under the same conditions as previously described, but have minor surface blemishes that do not penetrate into the diamond. |
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VVS1
VVS2 |
Very, Very Slightly Included 1 & 2
Describes diamonds which have very, very small inclusions which are difficult for a trained observer to detect under the ideal conditions. Because the inclusions in such a diamond are so minute, the appraiser usually locates them under 30 - 40x magnification instead of 10x which is the industry standard. VVS1 is slightly better than VVS2. |
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VS1
VS2 |
Very Slightly Included 1 & 2
Describes diamonds with very small inclusions that can be difficult to detect under the previously mentioned conditions. With the exception of very large diamonds and occasionally emerald cut diamonds, these inclusions are rarely visible to the un-aided eye. VS1 is slightly better than VS2. |
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S1
S2
S3 |
Slightly Included 1, 2 & 3
Describes diamonds with small inclusions which are usually obvious under the previously mentioned conditions. Minor or very small inclusions can sometimes be detected in diamonds graded as SI-2 or SI-3 with the un-aided eye after first being located under 10 x magnification. |
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I1
I2
I3 |
Included 1, 2 & 3
Describes diamonds with medium or large inclusions which are usually obvious to a skilled observer with the un-aided eye; under favorable lighting conditions. I3 are for industrial use only. |
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