In order to determine the clarity of a diamond, you'll need
someone with a trained eye to view it under 10-power magnification.
The majority of diamonds are born with miniscule "birthmarks" known
as inclusions. The smaller and fewer the inclusions, the more able
light can pass through the diamond, contributing significantly to
its rare beauty. More than any other gemstone, diamonds are
capable of producing the maximum amount of brilliance.
Thus a diamond which is free of inclusions and surface blemishes
is more rare and, by definition, more valuable. |
A diamond's clarity can be affected by two types of
flaws:
Clouds: Clouds, are microscopic inclusions that lower transparency. Fracture (feather) - the majority of imperfections in diamonds are the result of breakage in the diamond chemical structure. Clarity grading: The most common instrument used for Clarity Grading is the hand held loupe or microscope (based on 10-power magnification). This means, for all intents and purposes, any imperfection that cannot be detected with a x10 magnification does not exist while grading a diamond. |
I.F | Internally flawless: Free From internal blemishes visible under 10x magnification (small external details tolerated). | |
V.V.S 1 | Very very slightly included: Inclusions and/or external blemishes very very difficult to locate under 10x magnification. | |
V.V.S 2 | Very very slightly included: Inclusions and/or external blemishes very difficult to locate under 10x magnification. | |
V.S 1 | Very Slightly included: Inclusions and external blemishes difficult to locate under 10x magnification. | |
V.S 2 | Very Slightly included: Inclusions and external blemishes rather difficult to locate under 10x magnification. | |
S.I 1 | Slightly included: Inclusions and external blemishes rather easy to locate under 10x magnification. | |
S.I 2 | Slightly included: Inclusions and external blemishes easy to locate under 10x magnification. | |
P.1 - 1.1 | Imperfect: Inclusions and external blemishes very easy to locate under 10x magnification. | |
P.2 - 1.2 | Imperfect: Inclusions and external blemishes easy to locate with naked eye. | |
P.3 - 1.3 | Imperfect: Heavy inclusions located with naked eye. |
FAQ Q: Why should a diamond purchase in Antwerp be any better than in New York? A: Antwerp has always been the only diamond city in the world with three diamond-cutting schools where young people are molded into the worlds finest craftsmen in diamond polishing. The Antwerp-cut is therefore known for it's finest sparkle! |
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