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CLARITY
The clarity of a diamond refers to how clear, or "clean" the
diamond is. Diamonds have imperfections which are present in its rough state.
The clarity scale is a measure of the severity of those imperfections or
"inclusions" as it is known in the trade.
In addition to internal inclusions, surface irregularities are
referred to as blemishes. These two categories of imperfections-inclusions
(internal) and blemishes (external)-make up clarity. The fewer the
imperfections, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.
Clarity is graded using a very precise and complex method of
evaluating the size, location, and visibility of inclusions.
Clarity
FL
IF
VVS1
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
SI2
I1
I2
I3
Scale
Flawless-
Internally
Flawless
Very
Very
Slightly Imperfect
Very
Slightly Imperfect
Slightly
Imperfect
Imperfect
Clarity is a measure of internal
structural imperfections called "inclusions". Grades of clarity, which are
mostly those used by Gemological Institute of America (GIA), are:
FL-Flawless: Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10 x magnifications
when observed by an experienced grader.
IF-Internally Flawless:
Have no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader, but will have some
minor blemishes.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Imperfect:
Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to
see under 10x magnification.
VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Imperfect:
Contains minute inclusions such as crystals, clouds or feathers when observed
with effort under 10x magnification.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly Imperfect:
Contains inclusions such as cavities, knots clouds, feathers and included
crystals which are noticeable to an experienced grader.
I1, I2, I3 - Imperfect:
Contains inclusions such as large feathers or large included crystals, which
are obvious under a 10x magnification and may affect transparency and
brilliance.
