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Clarity
Most diamonds contain tiny, natural birthmarks known as "inclusions". These are minute traces of non-crystaled carbon or small non-diamond crystals. Most are non-discernible to the naked eye and require magnification to become visible. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the less likely they will interfere with the passage of light through the stone. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance, making a diamond of a carat or more, the world's most fiery gem.
Clarity is the term that is used to indicate the extent to which the diamond you purchase is free of these natural phenomena.
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Clarity Scale:
FL, IF: Flawless. no internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds. these are the "best of the best," and their price reflects that aspect.
VVS1, VVS2: Very, very slightly included. Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond that is very much near flawless.
VS1, VS2: Very slightly included. Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades, yet still a high quality stone. Probably the best quality for the money since this is still a grade where most people can't see the inclusions.
SI1, SI2: Slightly included. Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. This is a good diamond if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, but again, you can start to see these inclusions with the unaided eye.
I1, I2, I3: Very inluded. Very easily seen by the unaided eye and the lowest grade of all diamond clarities. For a good quality diamond, it is not recommended to buy this quality of a stone.
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Grading Systems:
There are four (4) major grading systems for classifying diamonds -- GIA, CIBJO, IDC and Scan D.N. -- and an international standard (ISO) is soon to come into existence. At present, a stone is termed flawless by the GIA if it is without surface characteristics or internal inclusions. Foreign systems use the term Loupe Clean which equates to both flawless and internally flawless. Grades then gradually descend.
Which Clarity Grade is Best for Me?
We recommend that you select an "eye-clean" diamond — one that has no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. An excellent value, diamonds of this clarity are much less expensive than IF- or FL-grade diamonds and typically do not contain visible inclusions that detract from the beauty of the diamond itself. If you're considering an SI grade diamond, please call us and we will review the diamond you are interested in to ensure the inclusions are not visible with the unaided eye. But, if you'd rather not compromise on clarity yet are budget conscious, choose a diamond with a good cut and G or H color.
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