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As a measure of value, diamond clarity plays a similar role to that of carat weight, in that flawless diamonds are so rare, they tend to be very expensive. However, most consumers are usually surprised by how little difference there is to a diamond\u2019s appearance between two different clarity grades.<\/p>\n
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Many customers will be happy with a diamond that has no visible imperfections to the naked eye, while others are willing to pay more for a higher quality diamond that is closer to flawless. It is of great importance to educate your customers about clarity and explain the impact it has on a diamond\u2019s brilliance. From this you can determine how important a diamond\u2019s perfection is to your customer and then guide them towards a diamond most suited to their needs and desires.<\/p>\n
Clarity refers to the\u00a0number and size of tiny imperfections within a diamond<\/a>. Most diamonds contain imperfections that form during their creation deep in the earth, in a region of extreme heat and pressure. According to the\u00a0GIA<\/a>, no completely flawless diamond exists, although some come close but are\u00a0so rare<\/a>\u00a0that many jewelers will never see one.<\/p>\n There are two major categories of imperfections in a diamond:\u00a0inclusions<\/strong>, which are flaws internal to the diamond, and\u00a0blemishes<\/strong>, which are\u00a0found on the surface of a diamond.<\/p>\n Inclusions come in many forms, such as the small crystals which become trapped inside the diamond during its formation. Among other types of inclusions, there is graining, which occurs from an irregular atomic structure and feathers, which are internal breaks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unlike inclusions, blemishes occur after a diamond\u2019s formation, either during the manufacturing process or from the wearing of a polished diamond set in jewelry.<\/p>\n Example of an I3 diamond.<\/em><\/p>\n The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades:<\/p>\n \u2022 \u00a0Flawless (FL)<\/p>\n \u2022 \u00a0Internally flawless (IF)<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Two categories of very, very slightly included (VVS1 & VVS2)<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Two categories of very slightly included (VS1 & VS2)<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Two categories of slightly included (SI1 & S12)<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Three categories of included (I1, I2, I3)<\/p>\n In determining a diamond\u2019s grade, the GIA considers the number, size, color, reflectivity, and position of every flaw visible under 10x magnification.<\/p>\n Together with the grade, the GIA<\/a> also provides a diamond \u201cplot\u201d to map a diamond’s interior and exterior flaws. This is a graphic representation of the flaws that contribute to the overall clarity grade. The top half of the diamond is represented by the diagram pictured on the left and the lower half of the diamond is represented by the diagram pictured on the right.<\/p>\n It is important for customers to understand that GIA grading for clarity is based on examining the diamond using a 10x magnification. This means that even diamonds with SI (slightly included) or I (included) clarity grades, can look flawless to the naked eye, depending on\u00a0the size of the imperfections, the size of the diamond, and where they are found on or in the diamond. It is helpful to show your customers two diamonds with different grades: one VVS (very very slightly included) and one SI or lower, and let them compare the two with and without a magnifying\u00a0loupe<\/a>.<\/p>\nTypes of Imperfections<\/h3>\n
The Grading Scale<\/h3>\n
Explaining Inclusions to Your Customers<\/h3>\n
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