Diamond Cut Clarity Scale

Diamond clarity is the quality of diamonds that relates to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond called inclusions and surface defects called blemishes clarity is one of the four cs of diamond grading the others being carat color and cut.

Diamond cut clarity scale.

With fewer imperfections within the stone the diamond is more rare and has a higher value. Value and rarity are related. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue like a drop of pure water and consequently a higher value. Vs2 diamonds are the sweet spot for getting a good quality diamond and saving money.

Every diamond certified by the gia undergoes a thorough independent evaluation. The importance of diamond clarity is affected by the other diamond qualities such as shape and size. Never skimp on cut. Very slightly included diamonds with a clarity grade of 3 or 4 vs1 or vs2 have minor inclusions.

With a high quality cut you can get away with a diamond lower in color and clarity. The clarity scale was developed by the gemological institute of america gia to quantify these imperfections. Sometimes these inclusions can be visible to the unaided eye. The diamond s clarity is a description of its internal purity.

This short video explains the gia clarity scale and how gia classifies diamonds with a clarity grade ranging from flawless to i 3 by using a 10x magnification loupe and a microscope to see and plot the diamond s inclusions. Slightly included diamonds with a clarity grade of 5 6 or 7 si1 or si2 have noticeable inclusions that are fairly easy to see under 10x magnification. In step cut shapes such as emerald cut and asscher cut diamonds the shallow pavilion and open table accentuate the clarity of the stone and can make characteristics more easily visible. A perfectly cut diamond will exhibit a lot of brilliance to the point that it masks inclusions.

It s usually a safe bet that the diamond will be eye clean. Inclusions are solids liquids or gases that were trapped in a mineral as it formed. For round cut diamonds 1 carat or over a vs1 or vs2 will give you an eye clean stone. The same relationship between rarity and value exists for clarity cut and carat weight.

Understanding what diamond color means helps in choosing the right diamond. Ags 5 6 or 7. In this case a colorless diamond is more rare and more valuable than one with a slight yellow color. So a colorless diamond rates higher on the color grading scale than a diamond that is light yellow.

The larger the diamond carat weight can be a factor the easier it is to see. For round cut diamonds under 1 carat a vs2 or si1 clarity grade will give you an eye clean diamond sometimes even si2 doesn t have visible inclsuions. Interestingly the diamond color evaluation of most gem quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader.