Clarity - The degree to which a diamond is free from natural
phenomena known as inclusions: impurities, non-crystallized carbon,
cracks or scratches. Most inclusions can only be seen under magnification.
GIA grading standards for clarity are:
Flawless (F) - no inclusions or blemishes seen under 10X magnification
Internally Flawless (IF) - no inclusions, with some minor surface
blemishes Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - Containing
minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10X magnification
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - Inclusions are clearly
seen although minor and small Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
- Inclusions are noticeable and fairly easy to see under 10X magnification
but not noticeable by the unaided eye Imperfect (I1, I2 and I3)
- Inclusions that are obvious under 10X magnification or can be
seen with the unaided eye Colour - GIA's grading standards begin
with D (colourless) and go to Z (light yellow). The value of a
diamond decreases as the scale moves from D to Z. Grades of D
to H are preferred for fine jewellery.
The Purer a Diamond, the More Brilliant. The greater a
diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it
is.Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics,
yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny
of a jeweller's 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural
phenomena -- called inclusions -- may be seen. These are nature's
birthmarks, and they may look like tiny crystals, clouds, or
feathers. Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal
no such inclusions. Flawless stones are the finest and are treasured
for their rarity and beauty. Diamonds with very, very small
inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. The larger the inclusion,
the lower the grade and the less rare the diamond. Inclusions
that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 or I3. The
number, colour, type, size and position of surface and internal
birthmarks affect a diamond's value. Major inclusions can interfere
with the path of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing
its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value.
