Diamonds are forever. And we couldn’t agree more. This precious jewel is an investment you will likely cherish for a lifetime because of its brilliance, beauty, and lustre. However, when it comes to shopping for a diamond, it is truly a personal affair and a matter of taste. Nobody else will value your diamond the same way as you, but most will be able to tell the difference between a nice ‘clean’ stone and an otherwise mediocre stone without clarity. So, understanding diamond clarity is crucial.
Specialising in diamonds and diamond jewellery, Australian Diamond Brokers is here with a comprehensive diamond clarity guide. The information shared by our experts in this guide is provided to help diamond buyers make informed purchase decisions when choosing a diamond clarity grade.
Understanding Diamond Clarity- What is it?
Clarity is one of the 4Cs used to assess and determine a diamond’s quality. It adds value to a diamond. This is the ‘C’ in the diamond’s evaluation journey that gives the diamond the sparkle that we all desire. The term’ clarity’ refers to the extent to which a diamond is free from the natural and accidental imperfections known as inclusions and blemishes.
What Affects The Diamond’s Clarity?
A diamond is formed when carbon is exposed to intense pressure and heat deep in the earth. This natural process results in numerous internal & external characteristics, which are also called birthmarks.
Inclusions are clouds or crystals inside the diamond, while blemishes are external characteristics like scratches, chips, and pits. Blemishes are present on the surface of the diamond. These characteristics usually can’t be seen by the naked eye. Hence, you need a professional diamond grader to determine the diamond’s clarity.
As inclusions are internal, they have a greater impact on the diamond’s grade, beauty, value, and overall durability. Simply stated, when discussing the diamond’s clarity, we refer to its character and number of flaws. So, the higher the clarity of the diamond, the fewer flaws it has.
In other words, the fewer and smaller the blemishes and inclusions, the closer the stone comes to clear perfection—and the more appealing its visual effect and, hence, its monetary value. However, overly large clouds can limit the diamond’s capacity to reflect and scatter light, while cracks close to and even on the surface can increase the chances of fracturing.
It is important to understand that when diamonds are being shaped, the cutter most often tries to minimise the visibility of inclusions and blemishes, making them harder to see. However, minor inclusions/blemishes denote uniqueness and, in some cases, serve as ‘proof of origin’, helping buyers distinguish between a natural and synthetic diamond.
Now, let’s move on to the next part of this diamond clarity guide: How to determine clarity.
How to Determine a Diamond’s Clarity?
As a rule of thumb, a diamond’s clarity is graded by looking at its top/face up. It’s not graded from the bottom or side. Moreover, a grade for clarity is assigned to the diamond based on the appearance (colour, nature, position, and size) of blemishes and inclusions under 10 x magnifications.
As an inclusion can disrupt the light’s path, heavy inclusions can lower the diamond’s beauty. Therefore, such diamonds are assigned lower grades for clarity. On the other hand, a higher grade for clarity is assigned to those diamonds that have less noticeable blemishes/inclusions. But on the flip side, as mentioned earlier, inclusions & blemishes prove that you have an untreated and natural diamond.
A Closer Look at The Diamond Grade Scale
When understanding diamond clarity, you might wonder what scale diamond graders follow. Well, they use the GIA DCS (Diamond Clarity Scale). Using this scale, diamonds are given a grade that ranges between flawless and diamonds with easy-to-spot/obvious inclusions.
The GIA Clarity Scale features six categories, some broken down, for a cumulative of eleven specific grades. These include:
- Flawless or FL – This shows that the diamond has no inclusions or external characteristics visible under 10X magnification.
- Internally Flawless or IF – It shows that the diamond being assessed has no inclusions prominent under the 10xmagnification.
- VVS1 & VVS2 or Very & Very Slightly Included – This shows that the inclusions are so tiny that an experienced diamond grader must identify them under 10X magnification.
- VS1 & VS2 or Very Slightly Included – It shows that inclusion is detectable only with a magnification of 10 times or greater, but it can be deemed minor.
- Slightly Included or SI1 and SI2 – Inclusions are easy to see under the 10Xmagnification
- Inclusion or I1, I2, & I3 – This shows that inclusions are readily seen under 10X magnification. They are likely to impair the diamond’s brilliance and transparency.
Diamond Clarity Guide- FAQS
What causes inclusions?
Inclusions in diamonds are caused by trapped minerals, crystals, or structural irregularities formed during the diamond’s natural growth under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle.
Does clarity affect a diamond’s brilliance?
Clarity can impact a diamond’s brilliance if inclusions interfere with the light’s ability to pass through the stone. However, cut quality often has a more significant effect on brilliance.
What is the difference between clarity and colour?
Diamond clarity measures rarity: the fewer internal & external characteristics a diamond displays when examined at 10-power magnification, the higher its grade. Diamond colour, on the other hand, signifies any natural tint inherent in white diamonds.
Can diamonds with lower clarity grades still be used in fine jewellery?
Absolutely. Many diamonds with lower clarity grades are used in jewellery, and skilled jewellers can often position inclusions in less noticeable areas or select settings that minimise their visibility.
Should I always choose the highest clarity grade I can afford?
Not necessarily. Diamonds with low clarity grades can still be appealing and beautiful, especially if the inclusions are invisible to the eyes or hidden by the setting. Many buyers prioritise carat weight and cut over clarity.
How can I make sure I am buying a diamond with the clarity grade stated?
Always purchase diamonds with a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA. These certificates provide a reliable assessment of a diamond’s clarity grade.
Wrapping Up
When selecting a diamond based on clarity, aim for an “eye-clean” diamond with no visible imperfections to the naked eye. Popular choices include VS1, VS2, and SI1 diamonds, as their inclusions seldom impact the diamond’s brilliance or appearance. SI2 diamonds are also good for those prioritising higher cut or colour grades over clarity.
Remember, larger-carat diamonds make flaws more noticeable, so clarity becomes more important with size. Choose carefully, and if unsure, consult the experts at Australian Diamond Brokers.
With 45 years of experience, Australian Diamond Brokers offers hand-crafted jewellery that epitomises handmade perfection. Our experts are here to provide you with quality guidance and assistance in finding the perfect diamond for your wedding ring.
Trust our seasoned professionals to help you browse our exquisite collection and ensure you make an informed and confident choice. Visit us today and experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and personalised service that has made us a trusted name in the industry for nearly half a century. Your perfect diamond awaits. Let us help you find a diamond you’ll instantly fall in love with. Contact us today.
by Australian Diamond Brokers : July 6th 2017 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.