Diamond Clarity
Indicates Quality and Value
Diamond Clarity is determined by its inclusions (impurities) found inside the diamond. A Brief Background to ClarityThe observation of the internal features of diamonds from a commercial point of view began at the beginning of the 20th century in Paris, which was the most important trading centre for diamonds at that time. In order to differentiate between the individual rare "clean" diamond and the large quantity of diamonds which had inclusions, two descriptions were developed: - "pure" for "clean" diamonds, and
- "pique" for "spotted" diamonds.
All diamonds which were flawless under the slightly magnifying loupe were also termed "loupe clean", while other diamonds which were not clean were classified as "pique". If you hear expressions like "this stone has a pique" it means that the stone has an inclusion.
Towards the end of 1920s, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) developed the 1st scale for quality designation which classified the clarity of a diamond. This scale expressed and recognised the increasing number and size of inclusions.
Again, 10X the magnification became established as the norm in the industry. Since then, this method has been used and accepted as the international standard for the clarity grading of diamonds.
Types of Inclusions
There are several types of inclusions which affect a diamond's clarity such as clouds, feathers, knots, naturals, nicks, pits, etc.
A diamond is flawless when nothing interferes with the passage of light to spoil its beauty. However, flawless loose diamonds are very scarce as many loose diamonds have inclusions.
Often most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, but they can affect the light-reflecting qualities of the loose diamond which in turn affects the overall brilliance.
Clarity grading needs to be carried out and labeled according to the internationally recognized diamond Clarity chart.
Definitions of Diamond Clarity Grades
The clarity chart scale range from F (Flawless) to I (Imperfections).
1. Flawless (IF)
A loose diamond is called Internally Flawless (IF) or Loupe Clean when it does not show any flaws, impurities or inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using a 10x Loupe (magnifying glass).
2. Very, very small inclusions (VVSI) & (VVS2) (Loupe Clean)
VVS1 - These loose diamonds contain very, very small internal inclusions / spots 1st degree. It is very difficult to detect these inclusions even by the experienced grader using a 10x Loupe.
VVS2 - These diamonds also has very, very small internal inclusions and spots of 2nd degree. It is extremely difficult to detect impurities by an experienced grader using a 10x Loupe.
The common flaws of this grade are dot-like inclusions.
3. Very slightly/small inclusions (VS1) & (VS2) (Loupe Clean)
VS1 - These loose diamonds contain very small inclusions / spots 1st degree. These impurities are very difficult to see even by an experienced grader using a 10x Loupe.
VS2 - These loose diamonds contain very small inclusions / spots 2nd degree. These impurities are difficult to see even by an experienced grader using a 10x Loupe.
Usually imperfections found in this group are small, light clouds and single crystals larger than the dot.
4. Slightly Imperfect (SI to S2) (Eye Clean)
SI1 - These loose diamonds contain small imperfections / spots 1st degree which are easy to see with a 10x Loupe.
SI2 - These diamonds contain small imperfections / spots 2nd degree. It is easy to detect flaws using 10x Loupe.
SI3 - These diamonds contain noticeable small inclusions / 3rd degree which are easy to see under 10x Loupe.
Normally imperfections under this grade should be light inclusions under the table and small, dark inclusions are found around the girdle.
5. Imperfect (I1 to I3)
Imperfect or Pique 1 - These diamonds have inclusions / spots 1st degree and are detectable by 10x Loupe (for small spots / flaws). They are also named Pique 1 and detectable by the naked eye.
Imperfect or Pique 2 - These diamonds have inclusions / spots 2nd degree and are visible by naked eye and also named Pique 2.
Imperfect or Pique 3 - These loose diamonds contain obvious impurities / spots 3rd degree, which are easily seen by the naked eye. These are also named Pique 3.
Normally imperfections found in this grade includes larger cleavages or flat clouds, which have an effect on the diamond clarity.
The diamond clarity of the VVS and VS are of high value. Think carefully when doing your price comparison and always remember that the best clarity of a loose diamond comes with a higher price tag.
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