Clarity

What Diamond Clarity Might Mean To You

Yet another of the 4 C’s bears on the value of diamonds – clarity.

Clarity is one of the aspects included in the grading of diamonds. Clarity chart definitions call such marks “flaws”, although in terms of the beauty of diamonds, “flaw” seems to be something of a misnomer. In fact, almost all diamonds have flaws on some level. A flawless diamond is extremely rare and as such, extremely high priced, perhaps priceless.

Diamond clarity refers to characteristics in and on the surface of the stone. In terms of clarity, a diamond may have either a blemish or an inclusion.

Blemishes in reference to diamonds and clarity refer to surface flaws. Blemishes are not flaws deep inside the stone. Blemishes can be scratches on the stone surface, pitting, or chips in the smooth surface of the stone. Sometimes blemishes are the result of the diamonds cut. Clarity blemishes such as scratches and chips may form this way. Other times diamond blemishes occur naturally, as is usually the case with pitting. If you look at a diamond clarity chart, you will notice that only inclusions are listed. In terms of clarity ratings for diamonds, all flaws are referred to as inclusions.

Inclusions by definition refer to internal flaws of the stone. They can be the result of a number of natural processes dating back to when the stone formed. Inclusions may be internal cracks, air bubbles, or foreign minerals trapped inside the diamond.

The way a buyer can determine a diamonds clarity is by reading the certificate for a diamond, or discussing individual diamonds with the help of a diamond jewelry dealer, either in person or online. Even if you buy from another source, it is worth taking some time to get educated from a highly knowledgeable, reputable diamond source, like Da Beers, on diamond clarity, so you know what clarity to expect in a given price range and what your priority should be.

The jeweler and certificate will provide diamond clarity ratings based on a standard diamond clarity scale. Clarity of diamonds is defined in a range of Flawless (F), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2), Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2), and Included (I1, I2, I3). Using this diamond clarity guide, start with Flawless as most valuable and work down the list from there. Included diamonds are poor quality diamonds with very little value. Flaws ranging from IF to SI are not visible to the naked eye; they can only be seen when the diamond is magnified 10x, and even then, in varying degrees of difficulty (hence the differentiation). To the everyday observer, these diamonds look flawless and are very good quality for jewelry.

Diamond affordability has recently enjoyed the introduction of clarity enhanced diamonds to wholesale and retail markets. Clarity enhanced diamonds make flawed diamonds more attractive. A clarity enhanced diamond, though naturally of lower quality, is manipulated to shine as brightly (or brighter than) diamonds of higher natural quality. Enhancement brings more diamonds up to the level that a wearer will be proud to carry at affordable prices. Enhancements are one of those things known only to the buyer and the seller, and will never be known to the casual observer. All anyone else will ever see is a striking, brilliant diamond.

The clarity of a diamond provides buyers insight into the value of the diamond. The less flawed a diamond is, hence the clearer the diamond, the more brilliant it is in appearance and in worth. Diamond clarity (with the exception of the lowest grades) is a negotiable quality in a diamond – one that can make a large diamond more affordable, or one that can make a smaller diamond more valuable. Clarity can make a good trade-off when other diamond aspects take precedence. In the end, the importance of diamond clarity is entirely up to the individual.