What Is Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity is a term used to illustrate the lack or existence of flaws inside a diamond and gemstone or on the surface of the stone. A perfect stone with perfect clarity or clearness is unusual and without exploring the gems through a jeweler’s magnification loupe most flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen.

Diamond Clarity Terminology to Know

Inclusions in Diamond Clarity
    * Flaws or imperfections inside a diamond.
    * Miniature blotches of different colors, including white and black.
    * Chips. There might be no issue for some. Although others may split the diamond.
    * Crystals with or without colors.
Diamond Clarity Blemishes
    * Flaws on a stone’s external area.
    * Many flaws found on the outer surface of the stone are products of the cutting and polishing procedure.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses 10 times intensification in certifying diamond clarity. Stones are tagged as:
Fl, Flawless
    * No flaws found, both inwardly and outwardly.
IF, Internally Flawless
    * No internal defects. There are exterior lesions, but marginal.
VVS1 & VVS2, Very, very slightly included.
    * Minute inclusions. Tough to identify, even for a seasoned grader.
VS1 & VS2, Very slightly included
    * Minute inclusions; difficult to be identified by an experienced grader.
SI1 & SI2, Slightly included
    * Blemishes are easily observed by a seasoned grader.
I1 & I2 & I3, Included
    * Inclusions are evident enough that they may influence visibility and brilliance.

Without magnification, usually flaws cannot be observed even by a seasoned jeweler, as described here  in detail for each clarity category. Primarily, they are very small imperfections that do not influence a diamond’s brilliance. Defects begin to deter from the elegance of the stone when you reach the level of “I” categories.

You do not need to be worried if your selected stone’s clarity grade is not close to the top of the scale.

Diamond Flaws

The location of a diamond’s flaws has to be considered in connection with the stone’s cut; when positioned in certain areas, some flaws are more visible. Advice about bad positions of defects can be offered by your jeweler.

It is good to know the defects within our diamonds as mentioned by the author of the book “Diamonds, The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide”, indicating that no two stones are alike, which means defects provide an important road map to help us recognize our own stone.

Diamond Clarity Enhancement Techniques

Although treatments can improve diamond clarity, not all improvement techniques are lasting. Two of the most popular treatments are:
Laser Treated Diamonds
    * Some types of inclusions are eliminated with the use of a laser. The laser leaves a path which is usually observed by a seasoned jeweler.
    *  Laser treatments are irreversible.
Fracture Filled Diamonds
    * The chips in a diamond, however tiny, are stuffed with a clear chemical.
    * Fracture filled enhancements are not permanent.

Following the treatment, the diamond will appear to be of higher clarity than it truly is. When a diamond has been treated, it should cost less; therefore your jeweler should be able to examine and divulge any type of treatment that has been performed.

Of the factors considered when buying a diamond, clarity is simply one of them. Additional factors that you should think of are its color, carat weight and price. Searching the finest stone to purchase is like solving a large jigsaw puzzle. You will know that you have found the best diamond for you when all the parts have been completely put together.