What Is the Clarity Quality of a Diamond?

Included crystals, structural irregularities, and other characteristics of diamonds that can be seen under 10X magnification are caused by the diamond's formation process and can be observed under 10X magnification. These inclusions or clarity characteristics can assist in identifying a diamond as natural and can provide valuable information to scientists about the Earth. However, the majority of consumers prefer their diamonds to be as clear as possible. As a result, the Gemological Institute of America developed a diamond clarity grading scale that ranges from Flawless and Internally Flawless all the way down to Included clarity. Even Flawless diamonds, on the other hand, may not be completely flawless. Flawless simply refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes when viewed under a 10x magnification.

The majority of diamonds, even those with VS2 or SI1 clarity, do not have inclusions that are easily visible to the naked eye. The inclusions within a SI2 or I (Included) clarity diamond, on the other hand, will be more visible to the unaided eye than those within a SI1 clarity diamond. Of course, this is also dependent on the individual's point of view on the matter! However, in general, budget-conscious consumers can save money by purchasing a comparable diamond in the VS or SI range; it will most likely appear similar to a diamond with a higher clarity grade when viewed with the naked eye. Although if you or the recipient is a perfectionist, you may want to consider clarity grades of VVS2 and higher, keep in mind that you will have to pay a premium for these grades.

In a diamond with excellent clarity, look for the following characteristics:

1. There are no inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. Unless you have magnification, you should be able to see no inclusions or only a few difficult-to-see inclusions without magnification. If you can't see any inclusions or only a few difficult-to-see inclusions without magnification, the clarity is likely to be high enough for your jewelry purposes.
2. Visible inclusions are distinguished by their location, size, and relief. It is less noticeable if the inclusions are located away from the center of the diamond. The fact that they are hidden near the edge, tips, or corners of brilliant cut diamonds makes them even less noticeable (round, marquise, pear, princess, etc.). It is generally believed that the high number of facets at the tips and corners of brilliant cut diamonds will distract from minor inclusions. Inclusions near the edges of the jewelry setting may even be covered by the setting itself. Smaller and lighter colored inclusions, on the other hand, are more difficult to detect and have a smaller impact on the appearance of the diamond, as is obvious.
3. Style with a cut. Because brilliant cut diamonds have a greater number of facets than round cut diamonds, inclusions are typically more difficult to detect. There are more facets, so more light bounces around, resulting in a more complex pattern that conceals small inclusions. Because step cut diamonds have larger and fewer facets than round cut diamonds, and the resulting pattern is less complex, inclusions are much more noticeable in step cut diamonds. If you want to reduce the clarity of your diamond, consider getting a brilliant cut.
4. Durability. When it comes to diamonds with lower clarity grades, this is an extremely important factor to consider. Diamonds in the I clarity range, particularly those in the I2 and I3 clarity ranges, can be prone to durability problems. Examine the girdle and the tips of your diamond for large chips or fractures (feathers), which could make the stone more susceptible to breaking. If a diamond has feathers, it is preferable if they are contained within the stone rather than reaching out to the surface.

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