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Mieke Vranken Jeweldesign & Goldsmitthing
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The 4 C's of Diamonds :
Diamond Clarity
Considering the incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a diamond, it's no surprise that many diamonds have inclusions -- scratches, blemishes, air bubbles or non-diamond mineral material -- on their surface or inside.Diamond's clarity is referring to the presence of identifying characteristics on and within the stone, most of which are inherent qualities of the rough diamond and have been present since the earliest stages of the crystal's growth below ground. A few are actually the result of the harsh stress that a diamond undergoes during the cutting process itself. Diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more highly valued than those with less clarity. They are more pleasing to the eye and they are rarer. How are diamonds graded for clarity? Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from Internally Flawless, diamonds which are completely free of blemishes and inclusions even under 10x magnification, to Imperfect 3, diamonds which possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. For clarity grades F through SI, inclusions (flaws) are NOT visible to the naked eye. With grades F through SI, a diamond's clarity grade has an impact on the diamond's value, not on the unmagnified diamond's appearance. The names of these grades are internationally widely spread. F-IF Flawless or Internally Flawless (two grades). No internal inclusions. Very rare. VVS1-VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification. VS1-VS2 Very Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions invisible to the naked eye and seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification. SI1-SI2 Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification. I1-I2-I3 Included (three grades). Inclusions visible under 10x magnification as well as to the human eye. Illustration : The presence of these clarity characteristics lower the clarity grade of a diamond. They can also be viewed as proof of a diamond's identity. Most Diamond Certificates include a "plot" of a diamond's inclusions -- it is like a "diamond fingerprint." Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing the uniqueness of your diamond's clarity characteristics with the plot provided on the diamond certificate, offers assurance that the diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive. Which Clarity Grade to choose? While Flawless diamonds are the rarest but a diamond does not have to be flawless to be stunning. Diamonds with VVS and VS grades are excellent choices for both value and appearance. More affordable (and still a great choice) are so called "eye-clean" - diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are SI1 and SI2 and unless the recipient carries a 10X loupe (a strong jewellery magnifying glass), the inclusions won't be seen. In fact, until you drop to the "I" grade, a diamond's clarity grade has an impact on the diamond's value, not on the unmagnified diamond's appearance. As to I1-I3? Maybe when there's a diamond grade that's defined as "you can see the flaws just by looking at the diamond," nothing more needs to be said. |
