Diamond Clarity and the 4 C's

Get to Know Your Diamond Clarity Scale

A clarity scale will determine the number and type of inclusions. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) both have created the following scale to grade the clarity of a diamonds.

Scale	Flawless - Internally Flawless		Very Very Slightly Imperfect		Very Slightly Imperfect		Slightly Imperfect		Imperfect
GIA	FL	IF	VVS1	VVS2	VS1	VS2	SI1	SI2	I1	I2	I3
AGS	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
	Premium Quality Diamonds								Loose Stone Specials

What Clarity is Right for You?

Generally, it is better to select an "eye-clean" diamond - one that has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye. These diamonds usually will be certified as VVS1, VVS2, VS1 or VS2. Of course, these diamonds will generally be more expensive so if budget is a major consideration, diamonds with a clarity of SI1 or SI2 may be a better choice for you.

While clarity is very important to consider when searching for a diamond, it important to analyze all 4C's - Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut. Some people care more about size than cut, some more clarity than color. Most importantly, be as knowledgeable as you can before purchasing your very special diamond!

What does an inclusion in a diamond look like?

Inclusions are found internally and can appear in different forms-- varying from dark dots, tiny white points, feathery cracks to light or dark spots. The following describes a number of various inclusions found in diamonds:

• Crystals - There are 24 different minerals that have been identified as crystal inclusions in diamonds. Small crystals that appear to be small specks, even under ten-point magnification, are called pinpoints. Normally, depending on the size, crystals lower the clarity grade of your diamond, but at times they can turn the diamond into a collector's item if the crystal is rare or attractive.
• Feathers - These are small fissures in the diamond. Most feathers are difficult to see even by the untrained eye even when viewed under 10x magnification. Feathers are one of the most common inclusions found in diamonds.
• Clouds - Clouds are usually created by a small cluster of tiny crystals that cannot be seen under 10-point magnification. When a diamond is graded with high clarity, then clouds will be difficult to discern.
• Grain Lines - Grain lines are caused by slight, irregular crystallization and may look like fine lines on the surface or in the diamond. At times, they are called twinning lines.
• Cavities - Inclusions are called cavities when a surface-reaching crystal has come out during polishing.
• Knots - Knots are diamond crystals that have become included and left exposed on the surface of the diamond by polishing.
• Laser Drill Holes - Laser drill holes are tiny holes that are drilled into the diamond with a laser beam. Laser drilling improves the appearance of the diamond by changing a black crystal into a white inclusion.
• Naturals - Naturals are part of the original surface of the stone that has been left unpolished. Naturals usually have no affect on the clarity grade if they remain in the girdle.

The fewer the inclusions or imperfection - the more valuable the stone. A diamond's measure of clarity is determined by the size, number, type and placement of the imperfections.

Location of the Imperfection

It is crucial to consider where the flaw is positioned in relation to the diamond's cut. It is possible for some flaws to be more noticeable when they are situated in a more central area of the stone. Other inclusions have the potential to be more hidden. The location and type of inclusion have a major impact on the price of the diamond. A stone that has very few, hard-to-see dots located on or near the edge, which have the possibility of being covered, will have a higher clarity grade than a stone that has an imperfection directly under the largest facet of the stone.

When a diamond is certified, the stone's certificate will include a graph that will highlight its flaws and inclusions. Most lab certificates have plots of inclusions (marked in red for internal and green for external features); they are useful for identification. Often only the main "grade makers" are plotted, and additional inclusions are listed in the comments area of the report.