THE CLARITY OF A DIAMOND
Like color and cut, clarity is something which is often misunderstood by those not very familiar with the finer details of the jewelry industry. The clarity grade of a diamond is dependent on the imperfections or 'inclusions' within the gemstone, and they are usually graded based on the most obvious or largest inclusion, rather than on the quantity of imperfections.
UNDERSTANDING IMPERFECTIONS
Imperfections come in two key categories: ‘blemishes’, which are present on the surface of the diamond, and ‘inclusions’, which are found on the inside.
These sorts of imperfections are incredibly common, and really aren't anything for most buyers of diamond jewelry to worry about, seeing as the vast majority of them are microscopically small, and invisible to the naked eye.
Indeed, completely flawless diamonds (which feature no inclusions whatsoever) are incredibly rare and highly sought after, and command enormous prices. This is due to the fact that inclusions and imperfections are simply a natural side effect of the incredible process of diamond creation, and an unavoidable fact when you are dealing with a natural material formed over millions of years.
THE DIFFERENT GRADES
We abide by the same standards as all other fine jewelers when it comes to grading diamonds.
In the same technique that is used all over the world, gemologists will grade the diamonds by using a magnifier with a maximum strength of 10x magnification - most gemologists will go about their inspection using either a microscope, or the iconic loupe, which is a portable magnifier.
This is to enable the gemologist to inspect the table (face) of the diamond, which is the part which will be most visible when set in jewelry.
An inspection of this kind will allow an expert to grade the diamond, and also to map out the features, inclusions and key pieces of date regarding the specific diamond.
We are happy to share with you the standard grades of clarity used with diamonds, and invite you to get in touch, if you have any further questions.
FL & IF: FLAWLESS, INTERNALLY FLAWLESS
When viewed through 10x magnification, no internal inclusions or external blemishes are detectable.
VVS1, VVS2: VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
When viewed through 10x magnification, the diamond displays inclusions which are so slight and minor, only an expert would be able to identify them.
VS1, VS2: VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
When viewed through 10x magnification, there are some very slightly visible inclusions in the diamonds, but they are not visible to the naked eye.
SI1, SI2: SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
These Inclusions are noticeable when magnified at 10x, and are generally considered the best value for money. SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a discerning, well-trained unaided eye.
I1: INCLUDED
Inclusions in the diamond are visible to the naked human eye.
For the vast majority of our customers, an 'eye-clean' diamond with no visible imperfections of inclusions is what we would recommend, as this will not only look beautiful, but will also be great value for money.