We usually hear the word Clarity when buying a diamond for the first time. But most of us don’t know what is diamond clarity and its importance. The clarity of a diamond is probably determined by the absence of flaws found in the gemstone. As it is a critical part of diamond worth and grading, the acceptance standards by GIA are based on diamond clarity. Also, they examine the stone with the help of a 10x microscope, which is not usually determined by the naked eye.
The level of visibility, its color grade, and the nature of flaws found in the diamond determines its clarity grade. Gemmologists examine two identical stones that can sometimes have different clarity grades. Multiple diamond experts examine the diamond clarity grade to define the accuracy of clarity. In our guide, we will explore the importance of diamond clarity and take a look at different clarity grades and their value in the market.
What Does the Clarity of Diamond Mean?
Clarity of diamond usually indicate the absence of inclusions or blemished found on the surface of diamonds. It is one of the factor of 4 important diamond Cโs that determine diamond value as well. The clarity scale provided by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) rate diamond value in the market. Usually experts examine the diamond worth under 10x magnification which allow experts eye to determine any imperfections.ย
Once the experts determine the grade and clarity scale of diamond they can set its right value in the market. It is essential to remember that diamonds have some blemishes or inclusions; thus, these imperfections might not be visible to the unaided or untrained eyes. Diamonds with more blemished and inclusions have less Clarity. So if you are looking for a high-clarity diamond, then make sure that it contains fewer blemishes or inclusions.ย
List of GIA-Approved Diamond Clarity Grades
The diamond clarity scale starts from Flawless and ends with I3 levels. There is a range of clarity levels you might find on the market. Let’s check out each clarity grade in detail and reveal each clarity grade’s importance.ย ย
Flawless & Internally Flawless (FL & IF) Diamond Clarity
The first ever diamond clarity tier started from Flawless grade and internally flawless grade diamonds. Flawless-grade diamonds have no internal inclusions and zero blemishes. They are usually found in museums and are more expensive than any other type. While internally flawless, rare e-stones are scratched, and there are no single facets you can identify with 10x or 20x magnification.ย
VVS2 and VVS2 Diamond Clarity
The next tier of diamond clarity scape is VVS. It indicate Very-Very Slight inclusion or blemishes which expert see through 10x magnifier. However the blemishes are not visible by nakes eye. VVS diamonds have two different types one is VVS1 and VVS2. VVS1 diamond have showns some single pinpoints under 10x magnification. As compared to it, VVS2 may have two or more than two pinpoints like tiny crystals.ย starwikitalk
VS1 and VS2 Diamond Clarityย
VS diamonds include that it have very small inclusions which are identifiable under magnification. All of these inclusions are easier to find out by trained eye. But a common man is unable to see it without microscope. VS1 may have few smaller sizes crystal effects however VS2 have shown more inclusions than VS1.ย
SI1, SI2 or SI3 Diamond Clarity
SI stones are the last tier of diamond clarity which are considered in the list of clean diamonds. SI1 diamonds have shown inclusions which are visible to untrained eye under 10x magnification. But in SI2 or SI3 the inclusions can be determined without magnification. Those who have very tight budget but they wanted to wear diamonds can buy these diamonds which are very common and cost minimal amount.ย
I1, I2 and I3 Diamond Clarity
Those diamonds that fall under the tier I1, I2 and I3 Diamond Clarity have many inclusions and they are visible with naked eyes. I1 have least inclusions whereas I2 have more visible inclusions. As compared to both I3 diamonds are lowest grade diamonds that detract themselves from the beauty of gems. These are lowest quality diamonds someone can buy.ย
Conclusion:
Diamond clarity plays an important role in figuring out the worth of these gemstones. In the lowest clarity grade diamond, the inclusions are visible and look larger, which looks fake or artificial in easy words. Diamonds with higher clarity grades are rare, expensive and worth buying. Size also affects the diamond clarity grade; for example, larger diamonds may have small inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, but still, they lie under the VVS or FL clarity grade tier.ย
That is why it is important to consult with the Rare Carat diamond expert before making a purchase upon clarity grade. You can also take a look at the procedure that Rare Carat experts follow to make lab-grown high grade diamonds at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-m44FFBDiI. Thus, do not make a wrong purchase without even knowing about the clarity grade scale!ย
