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Diamond Clarity
What is the meaning of Diamond Clarity?
Definition: The clarity of a diamond relates to exactly how clear a
diamond is. The clarity of a diamond
describes the presence, or absence, of Inclusions (flaws) within the diamond and
any blemishes on its surface. Inclusions disrupt the flow of light in
the diamond so that some of light reflected will be lost.
Diamond Clarity
and Quality
Diamond Clarity is one of the 4 C s of
diamond grading (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight) which provide an
excellent guide to the quality of a diamond. The numbers, sizes, colors, locations and
visibility of any inclusions and / or blemishes can effect the relative clarity
of a diamond and its quality. The majority of
Diamond Inclusions cannot be seen
by the human eye so systems have been developed to grade diamond clarity.
Diamond Clarity
Ratings
Any internal inclusions or external blemishes interfere with light
passing through the diamond and its ability to scatter and transmit light.
As the majority of inclusions cannot be seen by the human eye they are
located by a jeweller under a 10 power magnification and then graded
according to their clarity. Diamonds are
rated and graded for clarity on a scale ranging from high quality and
expensive flawless to imperfect.
Diamond Clarity
Scale / Rating and Grading Reports
Many grading /
rating reports
confirm whether or not a diamond has inclusions or blemishes, and if it does, the level
of the effect - Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very, Very Small
Inclusions, Very Small Inclusions, Small Inclusions and Large Inclusions.
The different grades and levels of Diamond Clarity are described in the following
Diamond Clarity Scale
by specific abbreviations:
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Diamond Clarity Scale |
|
Scale Abbreviation |
Scale Description |
Details
of Clarity |
Quality |
|
F |
Flawless |
No
internal or external flaws |
Very Rare
and Expensive |
|
IF |
Internally Flawless |
No
internal flaws |
Rare and
Expensive |
|
VVS1 |
Very, Very Small Inclusions
Level 1 |
Very Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification |
Expensive |
|
VVS2 |
Very, Very Small Inclusions
Level 2 |
Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification |
Less
Expensive |
|
VS |
Very Small Inclusions |
Inclusions are noticeable to a jeweller under 10x
magnification |
↓ |
|
VS1 |
Very Small Inclusions
Level 1 |
Inclusions are noticeable to a jeweller under 10x
magnification |
↓ |
|
VS2 |
Very Small Inclusions
Level 2 |
Inclusions are noticeable to a jeweller under 10x
magnification |
↓ |
|
SI |
Small Inclusions |
Inclusions are easily seen to a jeweller under 10x
magnification |
↓ |
|
SI1 |
Small Inclusions
Level 1 |
Inclusions are easily seen under 10x magnification but
not visible to naked eye |
↓ |
|
SI2 |
Small Inclusions
Level 2 |
Inclusions are easily seen under 10x magnification but
not visible to naked eye |
↓ |
|
LI |
Large Inclusions |
Inclusions are visible to naked eye but minimum loss of
brilliance |
↓ |
|
LI1 |
Large Inclusions
Level 1 |
Larger
Inclusions visible to naked eye with small loss of
brilliance |
↓ |
|
LI2 |
Large Inclusions
Level 2 |
Larger
Inclusions visible to naked eye with dulling of
brilliance |
↓ |
|
LI3 |
Large Inclusions
Level 3 |
Larger
Inclusions visible to naked eye with brilliance
diminished |
Cheapest |
|
Scale Abbreviation |
Scale Description |
Details
of Clarity |
Quality |
|
Diamond Clarity Scale |
Diamond Clarity
- The Sparkle
How does the clarity of a diamond effect its sparkle? Diamond clarity is
determined by inclusions and these can affect how the light is
reflected and therefore the diamonds sparkle. What exactly is the
sparkle? Definition: Tiny flashes of light, or sparkles, that are
seen when the diamond moves and light is reflected from the diamond. A
combination of brilliance (fire) and dispersion (refraction). Another
word for sparkle is scintillation, often used by jewellers.
-
Definition of Brilliance or Fire - The amount of sparkle a
diamond gives off through reflection and refraction of light -
the intensity of the light-reflecting power which maximizes the
brilliance
-
Definition of Dispersion or Refraction - A change of direction,
bend of a ray of light
Diamond Clarity / Brilliance & Fire
Diamond Clarity and its
brilliance and fire:
-
Definition of Brilliance or Fire - The amount of sparkle a
diamond gives off through reflection and refraction of light -
the intensity of the light-reflecting power which maximizes the
brilliance
-
Definition of Dispersion or Refraction - A change of direction,
bend of a ray of light
The 4C's to
Diamonds
Diamond Clarity is
one of the 4 C s of diamond grading (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat
Weight). For detailed facts and
information about the 4 C's please click one of the following
links:
The 4 C's to
Diamonds
Diamond Color
Diamond Cut
Carat Weight
Diamonds - Precious - Stone -
Guide - Color - Facts - Information -Info - Scale
Definition - Define - Sparkle - Brilliance - Fire - Quality - Scale -
Chart - Rating - Grading
Diamond Clarity
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