DIAMOND CLARITY
DIAMOND INCLUSIONS
FLAWLESS DIAMONDS
Diamond Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of inclusions in a diamond. Extremely rare flawless diamond do exist but the vast majority of naturally mined diamonds have imperfections or inclusions, including tiny feathers, scratches, trace minerals, and other characteristics that may impair the clarity of the stone. Inclusions can hinder how the light reflects, lessening the brilliance and prismatic effect of color in a diamond. Although not the only aspect affecting the sparkle of a diamond, when the clarity is poor light will not well through the stone making it look dull, cloudy or simply have visible eye sores.
When gemologist inspect diamonds for overall quality, they must painstakingly determine the clarity of the diamond. Using a 10x magnification loupe, gemologist determine the size, type, and position of the imperfections.
Flawless diamonds (FL, IF) may be the rarest and most expensive of all diamonds, however a diamond with imperfections visible only under magnification will be the best value for money and will not detract from its beauty.
When you have an intention to buy a diamond jewelry, for a guarantee that you will be selecting a diamond with no inclusions visible to naked eye, limit your selection to those diamonds graded VS2 or higher. "VS" means "very slightly included". Shopping for SI (slightly included) diamonds, however, will maximize your dollar and is great way to purchase a larger, better cut diamond at no additional cost. Such "eye clear" diamonds range from SI2 and upwards are recommended for the buyer looking for the very best value for money without compromising on the look or size of the stone. Eye-clean diamonds will not have any visible inclusions when viewed in the face-up position at 6-12 inches. Remember, that when a diamond is mounted into most engagement ring settings, small inclusions become even less visible because you are not looking through the stone. The average diamond ring sold in the US is SI2 or I1 in clarity.
FL
Flawless : No internal flaws. Very rare and very expensive diamond.
IF
Internally Flawless : No internal flaws. Also very rare and very expensive.
VVS1-VVS2
Very,Very Slightly Included : Extremely difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. Rare and expensive.
VS1-VS2
Very Slightly Included : Inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye. High quality.
SI1-SI2
Slightly Included : Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification. Good quality diamond.
I1-I2-I3
Included : Inclusions and flaws visible to naked eye.
DIAMONDS TOPICS BY DIAMONDS RINGS & JEWELRY BLOG
DIAMOND INCLUSIONS
FLAWLESS DIAMONDS
Diamond Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of inclusions in a diamond. Extremely rare flawless diamond do exist but the vast majority of naturally mined diamonds have imperfections or inclusions, including tiny feathers, scratches, trace minerals, and other characteristics that may impair the clarity of the stone. Inclusions can hinder how the light reflects, lessening the brilliance and prismatic effect of color in a diamond. Although not the only aspect affecting the sparkle of a diamond, when the clarity is poor light will not well through the stone making it look dull, cloudy or simply have visible eye sores.
When gemologist inspect diamonds for overall quality, they must painstakingly determine the clarity of the diamond. Using a 10x magnification loupe, gemologist determine the size, type, and position of the imperfections.
Flawless diamonds (FL, IF) may be the rarest and most expensive of all diamonds, however a diamond with imperfections visible only under magnification will be the best value for money and will not detract from its beauty.
When you have an intention to buy a diamond jewelry, for a guarantee that you will be selecting a diamond with no inclusions visible to naked eye, limit your selection to those diamonds graded VS2 or higher. "VS" means "very slightly included". Shopping for SI (slightly included) diamonds, however, will maximize your dollar and is great way to purchase a larger, better cut diamond at no additional cost. Such "eye clear" diamonds range from SI2 and upwards are recommended for the buyer looking for the very best value for money without compromising on the look or size of the stone. Eye-clean diamonds will not have any visible inclusions when viewed in the face-up position at 6-12 inches. Remember, that when a diamond is mounted into most engagement ring settings, small inclusions become even less visible because you are not looking through the stone. The average diamond ring sold in the US is SI2 or I1 in clarity.
FL
Flawless : No internal flaws. Very rare and very expensive diamond.
IF
Internally Flawless : No internal flaws. Also very rare and very expensive.
VVS1-VVS2
Very,Very Slightly Included : Extremely difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. Rare and expensive.
VS1-VS2
Very Slightly Included : Inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye. High quality.
SI1-SI2
Slightly Included : Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification. Good quality diamond.
I1-I2-I3
Included : Inclusions and flaws visible to naked eye.
DIAMONDS TOPICS BY DIAMONDS RINGS & JEWELRY BLOG
