Clarity is the system we use to determine the
presence or absence of imperfections in or on a diamond. If the imperfection is inside the
diamond it is called an inclusion. If the imperfection is on the surface of the diamond it
is called a blemish. Examples of inclusions are carbon spots(black spots which are an area
of imperfect crystallization), feathers (internal breaks in the diamond which can look
like a feather) and included crystals which are diamonds within a diamond (look like
bubbles except they are angular). Examples of blemishes are nicks(which could result from
a hard blow), scratches (perhaps a cutters error), naturals (part of the rough diamond's
outer skin left on the cut diamond girdle) and abrasions (hair-like blemishes found along
the girdle or facet junctions).
The way clarity is determined is taking all the imperfections into consideration to
consider the grade. The fewer the number of imperfections, the rarer and higher grade the
diamond.
The most recognized system of clarity grading was created by the Gemological Institute
of America. The GIA's grading system is based on what a trained observer would see under
10X magnification or, in the lower grades, with the unaided eye. Where there are numbers
after the grade the higher number is a lower quality, but still within the definition of
the grade
| F |
Flawless |
Contains no inclusions or blemishes at 10X magnification. |
| IF |
Internally Flawless |
Contains no inclusions or blemishes other than those within the width of
the girdle. |
| VVS1 |
Very Very Slightly Imperfect |
Contains imperfections that are difficult to locate under 10X
magnification. |
| VVS2 |
| VS1 |
Very Slightly Imperfect |
Contains imperfections that are easier to locate under 10X
magnification than the higher grade. These will be found with a little difficulty. |
| VS2 |
| S1 |
Slightly Imperfect |
Contains imperfections that are obvious at 10X magnification.
An imperfection might be eye visible near the edge of the diamond. |
| S2 |
| I1 |
Imperfect |
These contain imperfections that are visible to the unaided
eye. |
| I2 |
| I3 |
I believe in showing the diamond's clarity to a customer under a binocular gem
microscope at 10X and 30X. The grading system was designed for trained observers at 10X.
Not many of my customers ate trained observers, so it is easier to point out the
imperfections at 30X. 10X jewelry loupes in the hands of the typical customer do not
reveal enough. If a jeweler is not willing to show you the stone in this way you are
probably in the wrong store. I realize this method takes time but it is worth it.
Think of the last time you bought a pair of shoes. You went to a shoe store or shoe
department, saw a pair you liked, but before you bought them what did you do? You probably
tried them on. If the shoe salesman said you could not put them on before you paid for
them, you probably would have walked out. Those shoes probably set you back less than $150
and probably would last less than 3 years, yet you would not buy them without trying them
on. Hold your jeweler to the same standard. The diamond purchased, unless lost or stolen,
will outlast the recipient and cost a lot more than the shoes. Make sure you try it on.
