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Diamond Clarity
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics or 'birthmarks' such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth.
They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. To view inclusions, jewellers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewellers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. An inclusion closer to the centre of a stone is more obvious, therefore push the clarity grade down further than if it were close to the edge which could be hidden in a setting.
There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of clarity perfection, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
A setting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond, can hide some inclusions, under a claw for instance. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant.
The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is-and the higher it is on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.
F - Flawless
IF - Internally Flawless
VVS1 - Very very small inclusions.
VVS2 - Very very small inclusions (not as good as VVS1).
VS1 - Very small inclusions.
VS2 - Very small inclusions (not as good as VS1)
SI1 - Small inclusions
SI2 - Small inclusions (not as good as SI1)
I1 - Included
I2 - Included (not as good as I1)
I3 - Included (not as good as I1 or I2)
