Diamond Advice > Clarity
The 4Cs – Colour – Clarity – Cut – Carat Weight
Clarity: The Rarity
Almost all diamonds contain extremely small inclusions. Most are not noticeable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. The fewer there are, the rarer and therefore the more valuable the stone. The number, type, size, colour and position of these ‘internal birthmarks’ can affect the diamond's brilliance, its fire and its ultimate beauty.
The diamond's Clarity is determined by the degree to which it is free from these naturally occurring inclusions, often called “nature's fingerprints” that gives each diamond its unique characteristic.
There are three major grading systems for classifying diamonds – GIA, HRD and CIBJO.
FL/IF Flawless / Internally Flawless
VVS1 – VVS2 Very very small inclusions
Vs1 – VS2 Very small inclusions
SI1 – SI 2 Small inclusions
I1 – I2 – I3 Inclusions visible to the naked eye
Please see Clarity illustrations below.
Clarity: The Rarity
Almost all diamonds contain extremely small inclusions. Most are not noticeable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. The fewer there are, the rarer and therefore the more valuable the stone. The number, type, size, colour and position of these ‘internal birthmarks’ can affect the diamond's brilliance, its fire and its ultimate beauty.
The diamond's Clarity is determined by the degree to which it is free from these naturally occurring inclusions, often called “nature's fingerprints” that gives each diamond its unique characteristic.
There are three major grading systems for classifying diamonds – GIA, HRD and CIBJO.
FL/IF Flawless / Internally Flawless
VVS1 – VVS2 Very very small inclusions
Vs1 – VS2 Very small inclusions
SI1 – SI 2 Small inclusions
I1 – I2 – I3 Inclusions visible to the naked eye
Please see Clarity illustrations below.
