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When we speak of a diamond's clarity, we are referring to the presence of identifying characteristics on (blemishes)
and
within (inclusions) the stone. If you think about the incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a
diamond and the fact
that the natural diamonds are not grown in a sterile laboratory,
it's no surprise that most diamonds have flaws.
Basically, there are two types of flaws: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions refer to internal flaws and blemishes
refer to
surface flaws. However, in the diamond grades listed below, you'll note that none of the grades include
the term "blemish" -- for
the purposes of grading diamonds, all flaws are called "inclusions."
Inclusions include flaws such as air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond mineralds found in the diamond. Blemishes
include scratches,
pits, and chips. Some blemishes occur during the cutting processes (most often at the girdle).
Diamonds with no or few inclusions
and blemishes are more highly valued than those
with less clarity because they are rarer.
Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10X loupe magnification. Grades range from Flawless (diamonds which are
completely free of
blemishes and inclusions), to Included 3 (diamonds which possess large, heavy
blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the
naked eye).
F: Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
IF: Internally Flawless: No internal flaws, but some surface flaws. Very rare.
VVS 1 to VVS 2: Very Very Slightly Included: (two grades). Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x
magnification
by a trained gemologist.
VS 1 to VS 2: Very Slightly Included: (two grades). Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.
SI 1 to SI 2: Slightly Included: (two grades). Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification.
I 1 to I 2 to I 3: Included: (three grades). Inclusions visible under 10x magnification AS WELL AS to the human eye.
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