Diamond clarity refers to the presence, absence, and visibility of internal flaws called as 'inclusions' and surface imperfections called as 'blemishes' within a diamond.
Diamond clarity is a crucial aspect of the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) when assessing a diamond's quality. The clarity scale, defined by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), categorizes diamonds into six groups and eleven grades, ranging from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included 3). While flawless diamonds are the cleanest and most expensive, the majority of diamonds fall into the VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) categories. Achieving an eye-clean appearance is feasible with an SI1 grade or VS2 in higher carat diamonds.
Spending excessively on flawless or VVS grades may not be necessary, as the differences are often imperceptible in relation to the price. However, many of these imperfections in diamonds are not visible to the naked eye.
The following topics will be discussed in this article.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity is determined by assessing the degree of "cleanliness" within a diamond. These imperfections and inclusions can affect a diamond's grade and cost. Understanding the different diamond clarity grades and types of inclusions can help you make an informed decision and maximize the value of your diamond purchase.
As natural minerals, diamonds inherently contain imperfections like small chips, feathers, or clouds, which may impact their perceived beauty and brilliance. Interestingly, this characteristic isn't exclusive to mined diamonds; even lab-grown diamonds exhibit similar inclusions. However, many imperfections in diamonds, whether internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes), have minimal influence on the diamond's sparkle.
What no one tells you: It's worth noting the growing trend of using "inclusion" as a catch-all term for any imperfection, prompting the need to distinguish between inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are internal birthmarks within the diamond, whereas blemishes are external marks found on the diamond's surface. This distinction is essential for understanding and evaluating diamond clarity accurately.
Diamond Clarity Grades
The evaluation of diamond clarity often involves navigating through a letter-coded scale, commonly seen on e-commerce sites like James Allen or Blue Nile. This diamond clarity scale spans from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included), indicating the severity of natural flaws within the diamond when examined under 10x magnification.
It's essential to emphasize that this magnification standard signifies those terms like "slightly included" are in reference to observations made at 10x magnification, not to the naked eye. Surprisingly, a diamond with numerous small, non-visible inclusions may still receive an SI1 rating due to the high quantity of inclusions present. Conversely, a VS2 diamond might contain only one inclusion, but if it is prominently black and central on the table facet, that compromises its appeal. Thus, solely relying on the count of diamond inclusions is insufficient for determining clarity. Ultimately, diamond clarity grades reflect the cumulative impact of both the quantity and severity of inclusions present within the diamond.
Different Diamond Clarity Grades
GIA determines a diamond's clarity grade by assessing the size, nature, position, color, and quantity of inclusions visible under 10× magnification, ensuring precision beyond naked-eye scrutiny.
GIA adheres to exceptionally stringent guidelines for diamond clarity, a testament to its reputation as the premier certification lab in the diamond industry.
For a clearer understanding, here's a visualization of the diamond clarity chart:
The GIA clarity standards provide a detailed breakdown of how each grade or group is differentiated:
- Flawless (FL): These diamonds exhibit no inclusions under 10x magnification.
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Internally Flawless (IF): This diamond category boasts no or only insignificant surface blemishes, and no inclusions under 10x magnification. Minor blemishes on these diamonds can typically be remedied through polishing. Any apparent inclusion on an FL-IF diamond is likely dust or a speck that can be easily polished out. A true inclusion in a diamond, however minuscule, would result in a VVS1 grade from grading labs.
- VVS Range (VVS1/VVS2): Diamonds in this range contain minute inclusions that are exceptionally challenging for even experienced graders to detect under 10x magnification. The distinction between VVS1 and VVS2 often lies in the number of these small specs, though such differences are imperceptible without strong magnification.
- VS Range (VS1/VS2): Very Slightly Included diamonds feature minor inclusions that vary from difficult to somewhat easy to spot under 10x magnification. While most VS2 diamonds are visually clean to the naked eye, rare cases may feature noticeable inclusions, particularly in high carat diamonds.
- SI Range (SI1/SI2): Slightly Included diamonds exhibit inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification to an experienced gemologist and may be visible without magnification. However, the majority of SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, with no visible inclusions to the naked eye.
- I Range (I1/I2/I3): Included diamonds possess obvious inclusions that can impact the diamond's transparency and brilliance.
The pricing of diamonds can vary significantly based on their clarity, as demonstrated by the differences between SI and VS diamond groups. This underscores the importance of purchasing diamonds from reputable online vendors like James Allen, where features like 360-degree viewing and magnification up to 40x offer consumers unparalleled insight into their diamond purchases.
Factors influencing Diamond Clarity prices
The grading of a diamond's clarity involves considering five crucial factors that collectively determine its placement on the clarity chart:
- Size: The magnitude of inclusions significantly influences a diamond's clarity grade. Larger inclusions exert a more pronounced effect on the diamond's overall appearance.
- Nature: This pertains to both the type and depth of inclusions present within the diamond.
- Number: Grading entities evaluate the quantity of inclusions within a diamond. Even if small, a high number of inclusions can markedly impact the diamond's clarity and visual appeal.
- Location: The positioning of an inclusion on the diamond plays a pivotal role in its visibility. Inclusions positioned closer to the center of the table are more conspicuous, thereby affecting the clarity grade to a greater extent.
5. Relief: Relief denotes the contrast between the inclusions and the diamond itself. Higher relief results in darker hues, potentially influencing the diamond's grading.
Tips for selecting the right Clarity Grade
Before delving into diamond purchases, it's essential to consider several factors, particularly regarding clarity:
- Avoid Overpaying: It's common to overspend on clarity. While an FL diamond may seem enticing, in many cases, a VS1 or VS2 diamond offers comparable eye-cleanliness at a fraction of the cost. Prioritize allocating your budget towards aspects that significantly impact a diamond's beauty, such as its cut quality.
- Strive for Optimal Clarity: The ideal clarity grade varies based on the diamond's shape. For round cut diamonds, opt for a clarity grade of VS2 or SI1 for stones under 1 carat, and VS1 or VS2 for those over 1 carat. Conversely, emerald cuts, asscher cuts, and baguettes, with their large table areas, necessitate a clarity grade of VS2 or higher due to their pronounced visibility of inclusions. For cushion cuts, ovals, radiants, marquises, and princess cuts, SI1 to SI2 clarity grades suffice, given their superior ability to conceal imperfections.
- Thorough Examination: Apart from scrutinizing the certificate and clarity plot, meticulously inspect the diamond for visible inclusions. Utilize high-quality photography provided by reputable online vendors like James Allen and Blue Nile to assess the diamond closely. Pay attention to the location of any imperfections—are they prominently positioned on the table or nestled near the diamond's edge? The objective is to identify an eye-clean diamond without exceeding your budget. Seeking an expert's opinion can provide further assurance.
Pro Tip: Opting to purchase diamonds online, not only offers superior value but also facilitates easy comparison between options. Unlike conventional jewelry stores with bright lighting that may obscure imperfections, online platforms provide objective, detailed imagery for informed decision-making.
Common Inclusions in Diamond Clarity
The term "inclusion" encompasses various imperfections in a diamond, each with distinct effects on its clarity. Here's a breakdown of common types of inclusions and their impact:
- Clouds: Consisting of clustered pinpoints, clouds can impart a dull, hazy appearance to a diamond's brilliance. If numerous large clouds are present, the diamond may be termed cloudy.
- Graining: Resulting from irregular crystal growth, graining manifests as internal lines, causing a hazy appearance in the diamond, with colors ranging from white to reflective.
- Cavities: Surface dents or cracks, cavities may appear colorless or colored, depending on the minerals within the diamond. Colored crystal inclusions within cavities can be conspicuous, potentially visible to the naked eye.
- Feathers: These small cracks resemble feathers when viewed from certain angles. Feathers can vary in visibility, with some barely noticeable and others more prominent. They may appear clear or reflect light, giving off a white hue.
When evaluating a diamond's inclusions, seeking guidance from a professional is advisable. Additionally, examining the diamond's GIA certificate provides comprehensive insight into its inclusions and imperfections.
Eye-Clean Diamonds
In the jewelry industry, "eye-clean" refers to a diamond that appears clear to the naked eye when viewed from the top, without magnification. If you are a buyer seeking beauty and affordability, this standard of clarity is ideal for you, as well as for those without in-depth diamond expertise. Eye-clean diamonds offer excellent value, providing clarity without the high cost of flawless or internally flawless diamonds.
Navigating Diamond Clarity Prices for 1 Carat
Keep in mind that diamond clarity is assessed under 10x magnification. This implies that inclusions in diamonds with clarity grades above SI2 are typically not visible to the naked eye and do not significantly impact the diamond's ability to reflect light, which is essential for its sparkle and beauty. Generally, for the best value without compromising appearance, it's advisable to choose a diamond within the SI1 to VS2 clarity range. This range balances clarity and cost effectively, ensuring you get the most for your investment.
Let's review the pricing of 1-carat round diamonds from select top jewelers, categorized by their clarity.
FL-IF Prices
These grades are so exceptionally uncommon, that many jewelers have never encountered one.
The price range for 1-carat diamonds is from $6,500 to $11,300.
VVS Prices
The price range for 1-carat diamonds is from $5,300 to $9,800.
VS Prices
The price range for 1-carat diamonds is from $3,800 to $9,200.
SI1 Prices
The price range for 1-carat diamonds is from $3,600 to $7,300.
SI2 Prices
The price range for 1-carat diamonds is from $2,800 to $5,200.
Destined for Diamonds Recommendations
The emphasis here is on practical tips for selecting an eye-clean diamond:
- Focus on Eye-Clean Diamonds: Prioritize diamonds with inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. While inclusions may be present, they should be imperceptible without magnification.
- Dispersed Inclusions: Seek diamonds with dispersed inclusions located around the edges. These imperfections are less noticeable and can often be concealed under a prong setting.
- Consider Lighting: When examining a diamond, avoid harsh lighting conditions. Bright, unnatural lighting can mask visible inclusions, making them harder to detect. Opt for softer, diffused lighting for a more accurate assessment.
4. Watch for Inclusions Under the Table: Harsh inclusions positioned under the table facet of a diamond are particularly noticeable once the diamond is mounted. Be vigilant in inspecting this area to ensure minimal visibility of inclusions post-mounting.