Diamond Clarity
Clarity in a diamond refers to the absence of any blemishes or fractures that the
diamond may feature. In most cases, these marks or defects are not visible to the
naked eye. However, sometimes when larger black spots are present they may be visible
even without the help of a loupe. The value of such diamonds is significantly lower
than those that are of better clarity.
Internal And External Defects
Diamond clarity looks at two types of defects.
- Internal defects: Are those that are inside the diamond. These
are commonly called inclusions.
- External defects: Are those that occur on the surface of the diamond.
These are commonly called blemishes.
These defects generally occur in diamonds in the natural process of formation. However,
sometimes defects may also occur during the cutting and polishing stage.
Diamonds are created under immense pressure and it is thus hardly surprising that
many diamonds include tiny bubbles, spots, scratches and blemishes. However, one
does find flawless diamonds very rarely. These diamonds are extremely expensive
not only because they are rare but also because they are completely faultless.
Clarity And Brilliance
Another reason why diamonds with a good clarity grade are prized is because better
clarity results in more brilliance. The presence of inclusions and blemishes can
alter the path of the light entering the diamond. So even with the highest cut grade,
a diamond with an inclusion may not be able to reflect back much of the light that
enters the stone. This results in lowered brilliance and hence the lower value of
diamond with defects.
Grading Diamond Clarity
Diamonds are graded for clarity using a loupe. A loupe is a magnifying glass that
magnifies the diamond 10 times of its original size. Under a loupe a trained eye
can easily detect the presence of internal and external defects. Even novices can
detect the presence of flaws fairly easily using a loupe.
The GIA and the AGS have an extensive set of rules for defining the clarity grade
of the diamond including listing out the exact type, size and location of the defect.
Diamond clarity grades range from Flawless to Included.
Flawless & Internally Flawless:
Flawless diamonds have no internal inclusions and no external blemishes either –
even under 10x magnification. These are extremely rare and exquisite. Internally
flawless diamonds have no internal inclusions but may have minor or negligible external
blemishes. These are very rare too and beautiful.
GIA Grade: FL & IF
AGS Grade: 0
Very Very Slightly Included:
These diamonds contain very miniscule inclusions that are difficult to
spot under 10x magnification even for an experienced trader. There are two grades
of VVS diamonds.
GIA Grade: VVS1 & VVS2
AGS Grade: 1 - 2
Very Slightly Included:
These diamonds contain miniscule inclusions that are not easily noticed
with a loupe. To the novice buyer there will be no noticeable difference between
VVS and VS diamonds. Inclusions cannot be viewed without a loupe. There are two
grades of VS diamonds.
GIA Grade: VS1 & VS2
AGS Grade: 3 – 4
Slightly Included:
The inclusions are easily viewed using a loupe and in some cases may
even be visible to the trained naked eye. These diamonds offer a good value because
often the inclusions can be hidden in the setting. There are two grades of S diamonds.
GIA Grade: S1 & S2
AGS Grade: 5 – 6
Included:
These diamonds contain inclusions that are definitely visible to the naked trained
eye. Even a novice can easily view the inclusions if he or she looks closely. Most
high quality diamond traders prefer not to trade with I quality diamonds. There
are three grades of I diamonds.
GIA Grade: I1, I2 & I3
AGS Grade: 7 – 8 – 9
In general, when buying diamonds it is best to go for diamonds that are ‘eye-clean’.
This means that even if the diamonds have minor defects they should be so minor
as to be invisible to the naked eye. Diamonds with a clarity grade of S1 and S2
generally fall under this category.
Also, there are three other C’s that affect the quality and price of a diamond:
its Carat Weight, Cut and Color.