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Clarity refers to the cleanness or
purity of the diamond. The clarity
rating depends on number, size,
nature, and location of the internal
(inclusions) and external
(blemishes) imperfections. Less
imperfection gives a better rating.
Clarity Grade are listed as FL
(Flawless) all the way down to I4
(Inclusions).
The following chart shows the
grading system with examples for
each.
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Clarity Chart |
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FL - Flawless |
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Shows no inclusions or
blemishes of any sort under
10X magnification when
observed by an experienced
grader. |
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IF - Internally
Flawless
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Has no inclusions when
examined by an
experienced grader using
10X magnification, but
will have some minor
blemishes. |
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VVS-1 and VVS-2 - Very,
Very Slightly Included
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Contains minute
inclusions that are
difficult even for
experienced graders to
under 10X magnification.
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VS-1 and VS-2 - Very
Slightly Included
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Contains minute inclusions
such as small crystals,
clouds or feathers when
observed with effort under
10X magnification.
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SI-1 and SI-2 - Slightly
Included |
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Contains inclusions (clouds,
included crystals, knots,
cavities and feathers) that
are noticeable to an
experienced grader under 10X
magnification. |
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I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4 -
Included
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Contains inclusions
(possible large feathers or
large included crystals)
that are obvious without
magnification and may affect
transparency and brilliance.
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Be aware though that there are
methods of enhancing a diamonds
appearance. These are laser drilling
and fracture filling.
DiamondOction.com does not sell
laser drilled or fracture filled
diamonds. We have included it in our
Diamond Class for reference and to
teach you how to spot these
enhancements. Reputable jeweler
will disclose if a diamond they are
selling has been enhanced, but there
are many dishonest jewelers out
there and with this little bit of
knowledge, you will learn how to
spot them.
Laser Drilling
Laser drilling is a process where a
hole is drilled into the diamond,
usually through the side, and carbon
spots are removed. This is a
permanent enhancement that will not
be affected by cleaning or heat from
setting repairs. Laser drilling can
be spotted by looking for tiny lines
that look like jet trails within the
diamond. A newer type of laser
drilling which is harder to detect
creates cracks around inclusions
near a diamond's surface. These
imperfections are then removed
leaving marks that look like natural
flaws.
Fracture Filling
Fracture filling involves having
cracks within the diamond filled
with a clear substance. The cracks
will not totally disappear, but they
will be less noticeable. This is a
not a permanent enhancement and will
degrade with heat, cleaning and
sunlight over time. A telltale sign
that a diamond has been fracture
filled is by looking at it through a
10x loupe. You will see areas of
color that follow the contours of
the fracture. Another sign is a
group of bubbles trapped within the
diamond. These bubbles may make the
diamond look cloudy.
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