DIAMOND CLARITY

Clarity describes how perfect the stone is. If there are detectable imperfections by nature in the formation of the diamond, then it is less valuable. These flaws are called inclusions. Inclusions are undesirable because they interfere with the light passing through the diamond causing it to have less brilliance. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). A grade of flawless diamond will have no inclusions visible to a trained eye under 10x magnification.

Flawless FL – On GIA Scale, FL is the grade is provided to a stone with no visible flaws, internal or external, when examined under 10x magnification.

FL Grade Diamonds are extremely rare and are priced proportionally much higher than other Grades.

Internally Flawless – On GIA Scale, IF is the grade given to a stone with no inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

IF Grade Diamonds are also well-proportionally made and very rare and are priced proportionally higher.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – On GIA Scale, the grade given to a stone with minute inclusions that range from extremely difficult to very difficult to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

VVS1 and VVS2 Grade Diamonds are priced at a premium.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – On GIA Scale, the grade is provided to a stone with very small inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – On GIA Scale, the grade is provided to a stone with flaws that a qualified grader can easily see easily using 10x magnification.

Slightly Included Grade Diamonds are not rare as higher grades and are less costly.

Included (I1, I2, and I3) – On GIA Scale, the grade is provided to a stone in which flaws may be seen by a qualified observer without magnification.

Included Grade Diamonds are less expensive and may affect the transparency and brilliance.