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The Clarity of Your Diamond

Diamond clarity explained in detail by Monroe Yorke Diamonds

The definition of diamond clarity is: a quality of diamonds relating to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond called inclusions and surface defects called blemishes.

The third of the 4Cs is diamond clarity.
This grade will tell you about the physical quality of the stone; whether it has any blemishes on the surface or whether there are any inclusions; tiny dots, perhaps of carbon, that render the stone imperfect.

Most inclusions cannot be seen by the naked eye, so when a diamond is being graded for clarity it will be under a very powerful magnification usually 10 times larger, so that an accurate grade can be given. Below is an easy to read chart that clearly indicates the grades, the description, the clarity explanation and the diamond quality:

Diamond Clarity

Grade Grade Description Clarity Explanation Diamond Quality
FL Flawless No flaws~internally or externally Very rare ~ Most expensive
IF Internally flawless No internal flaws Rare ~ Expensive
VVS1 Very, very small inclusions~Level 1 Inclusions very difficult to see under 10xmagnification Expensive
VVS2 Very, very small inclusions~Level 2 Inclusions difficult to see under 10x magnification Less expensive
VS Very small inclusions Inclusions noticeable under 10x magnification Less expensive
VS1 Very small inclusions Level 1 Inclusions noticeable under 10x magnification Less expensive
VS2 Very small inclusions Level 2 Inclusions noticeable under 10x magnification Less expensive
SI Small inclusions Inclusions easily seen under 10x magnification Less expensive
SI1 Small inclusions Level 1 Inclusions easily seen under 10x magnification Less expensive
SI2 Small inclusions Level 2 Inclusions easily seen under 10x magnification Less expensive
LI Large inclusions Inclusions visible to naked eye ~ Small loss of brilliance Less expensive
LI1 Large inclusions ~ Level 1 Larger inclusions visible to naked eye~small loss brilliance Cheap
LI2 Large inclusions ~ Level 2 Larger inclusions visible to naked eye ~ Brilliance dulled Cheapest
LI3 Large inclusions ~ Level 3 Larger inclusions visible to naked eye ~ Diminished brilliance Cheapest

 

Diamond clarity image

One would imagine that tiny imperfections, either within or on the surface of the diamond would detract from the beauty of the stone. Surprisingly, it has the least detrimental impact.

The imperfections within the stone are generally very tiny. As you can see from the chart above, in most of the grades they cannot be seen by the naked eye alone and can only be seen with 10x magnification, so to the naked eye the diamond is still stunningly beautiful.

Those diamonds that have the least imperfections will be amongst the stones that carry the highest values.

There are several types of inclusions and blemishes. See below for a list of familiar terms:~

Inclusions

  • Clouds
  • Feathers
  • Included crystals or minerals
  • Knots
  • Cavities
  • Cleavage
  • Bearding
  • Internal graining

Blemishes

  • Polish lines
  • Grain boundaries
  • Naturals
  • Scratches
  • Nicks
  • Pits
  • Chips

What Does Eye Clean Mean?

Eye-clean is a term used in the diamond industry to describe a diamond which to the naked eye has no flaws, inclusions or blemishes. When you look at your diamond you will see nothing but perfection, and these diamonds represent excellent value for money, because they are more affordable than perhaps, a flawless diamond graded (FL) or an internally flawless diamond, graded (IF). This grade of diamonds is very rare and therefore are at the higher end of the price scale.

Small inclusions or blemishes can be useful when documenting or insuring a stone. Every diamond is completely unique. No two stones can have the same make up, so any inclusion will identify your stone as being exactly what it is.

 

For more information regarding the high quality metals that Monroe Yorke Diamonds uses in all of it's diamond jewellery, call 1800 766 567 and speak with one of our professional diamond specialists.

Why wait any longer to see their superb collections? View our Engagement Rings or call 1800-766-567 where you will receive top customer service and a choice of diamond jewellery to die for!