The 4 C’s of diamonds – Clarity

The 4 C’s of diamonds – Clarity

Clarity basically is the easiest one to determine out of the 4C’s.

You can use your eye, a loupe or a microscope and one of these will be able to show inclusions if exist.

Clarity is measured by 12 different grades: Flawless – I3.

I would prefer not to focus with FL – VVS2 clarity grades for two reasons:

1. You can not see any inclusions in them even not with a loupe, only a microscope (extremely small inclusions) – so there are no inclusions I can discuss about.
2. They are very expensive (within the high colors range) and my aim in this site is to save you money.

The most common and purchased clarity grades that are bought today are the: VS1 – SI2 and I want to concentrate in them.

One more thing; all clarity grades are referred to “real” grades and in that I mean GIA or AGS, the rest of the gemological labs are more “upgrading” labs.

VS1 is basically flawless to the eye and almost flawless when using a loupe.

VS2 has usually a very small inclusion that can hardly be seen a loupe.

SI1 has a very small inclusion/s that mostly is hard to detect with the naked eye (can be seen with a loupe).

SI2 has a small visible to the eye inclusion or inclusions.

SI3 (does not exist with GIA certifications) has a medium size inclusion that is visible to the eye.

I1 has a medium to large inclusion/s that can be seen with the naked eye.

I2 and I3 are what called commercial diamonds. They are being used today in the jewelry industry and they have large inclusions.

Those are basically the determinations regarding the clarity in my own eyes; the only thing that you don’t know is that in reality things appear to be different then they sound.

Personally if I had to choose a Diamond I would go for SI1 or an amazing SI2. Why?

When you read about Diamonds, most of you must say to yourself: I want the best and if not the best you want the second best – You want Flawless Diamonds – but they are extremely expensive.

Like I said before, in regards the comparing test, I can show you not a VS1 clarity Diamond but a VVS1 clarity Diamond on one side and high quality SI2 clarity Diamond and there is no chance in the world you will see the difference with a naked eye (not using a loupe). That is because professionals whom grade Diamonds use loupes and microscopes. You on the other hand don’t.

I want to emphasize the grading again: GIA bought themselves the best name in the industry in regards to clarity rating. AGS certification is good in that manner as well. The rest of the labs I wouldn’t recommend as much (although EGL labs especially the ones in the US have improved lately).

My personal recommendation for you when buying a Diamond, especially on-line, is to go for a VS2 or a great looking SI1.

Choosing these clarity grades will ensure you to be on the safe side. I just want to mention that you can find an amazing SI2 Diamond that will look just as well, but it will be better buying it after consulting with an online advisor over the phone or buying it at the store, after looking at it with a microscope.

Now you probably asking yourself: why is he that short with information regarding the clarity?

Well, I know I am very short and straight forward, but I think that if you start complicating things it will be harder for you to choose a diamond something that supposed to be simple.

Why is it simple? Since basically clarity is the one C that you can’t really notice as long as you stay above the SI2 clarity. Flaws in a SI2 diamond are so small, that it is so hard to see them even with a loupe.

This why, I will suggest to stay between the VS2 – SI2 clarity grades.

VS2 is the safest choice especially if you buy online and you prefer not to take the slightest risk regarding clarity.

SI2 with a GIA certification can be a great choice, especially if you buy it in store, so you can see the diamond preferably with a microscope so you can see the inclusions. Many of the stones that are graded SI2 has “lucky” inclusions that can be located in the bottom or the side of the diamond. It means that you can hardly see it and even hide them with the ring.

You can also buy SI2 diamond online but I suggest strongly speaking with the support of the company and ask them to take a look at the diamond and describe the inclusions. Doing that, will save you time and money and will prevent you from shipping the diamond back and forth.

That is all the information I want to provide you regarding clarity and will assist you choosing a diamond right. I would like also to discuss these next terms in order to make your life easier to choose clarity or if speaking with a rep of an online diamond company:

Eye Clean: A diamond that appears to have no flaws when looking at it without any magnification tool: loupe or microscope.

Black Inclusions: Inclusion that appear to be dark, they can also be brown or gray.

White inclusions: White inclusions are called “good” inclusions, since they mix with the diamond look and don’t effect strongly over its look.

Well located inclusion: Inclusions that are located on the bottom of the diamond and do not reflect. An inclusion that is located in the side that can’t be seen and even can be hidden with the ring.

“Bad” inclusions: Inclusions that are located on the bottom of a diamond and have a kind of reflection effect – one inclusion that looks like a few inclusions. An inclusion/s that even if small, is located badly around or on top of the diamond.

Clarity enhanced diamonds: I can write a few pages regarding clarity enhanced diamonds, but let’s summarize it that these diamonds had a one or a few big inclusions and they were treated in a way that the inclusions were reduced or it color (of the inclusion) was changed – from dark to white.

Basically there are few techniques today to enhance clarity in order to make the diamond look better and to upgrade its clarity. These diamonds are less expensive then an untreated diamond in the same clarity grade.

I think that if you are under a tight budget you should consider these diamonds, but I would recommend seeing them first so you will know what it means.

Good Luck

Solitaire Engagement Rings

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SI2 Diamonds

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3000$ Diamonds

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