Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. It is actually quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond.
There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are ‘eye clean’ meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories. Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external blemishes and inclusions of the diamond.
There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are ‘eye clean’ meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories. Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external blemishes and inclusions of the diamond.
| Grade | Symbol | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Flawless | F | Free from all inclusions |
| Internally Flawless | IF | No inclusions visible under 10x magnification |
| Very Very Slightly Included (or Very Very Slightly Imperfect) 1 | VVS1 | Inclusions that are extremely difficult to spot under 10x magnification |
| Very Very Slightly Included 2 | VVS2 | Inclusions that are very difficult to spot under 10x magnification |
| Very Slightly Included 1 | VS1 | Minor inclusions that are difficult to spot under 10x magnification |
| Very Slightly Included 2 | VS2 | Minor inclusions that are relatively difficult to spot under 10x magnification |
| Slightly Included 1 | SI1 | Inclusions that are easy to spot under 10x magnification |
| Slightly Included 2 | SI2 | Inclusions that are very easy to spot under 10x magnification |
| Included 1 | I1 | Obvious inclusions that are relatively easy to spot without magnification |
| Included 2 | I2 | Obvious inclusions that are easy to spot without magnification |
| Included 3 | I3 | Obvious inclusions that are very easy to spot without magnification |
The best diamonds get a grade of FL or IF – Flawless or Internally Flawless – meaning that it is perfect or near-perfect under magnification. Grades of VVS1 and VVS2 means that the diamond has very, very slight inclusions that are extremely difficult to spot even under magnification; VS1 and VS2 meaning the inclusions are relatively difficult to locate under magnification; SI1 and SI2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect with inclusions that are fairly easy to spot. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond has blemishes that are easy to spot, with a grade of I-3 being the worst.
The clarity of diamonds can be improved by various techniques such as laser drilling and fracture filling. When purchasing diamonds, do take note if the diamond has been clarity-treated.
The clarity of diamonds can be improved by various techniques such as laser drilling and fracture filling. When purchasing diamonds, do take note if the diamond has been clarity-treated.
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