About Diamond Clarity And Is It Important?

By Author: jacksmith
Total Articles: 208
Comment this article

The clarity of a diamond is of course, important. A clarity grade is assigned to each diamond based on the overall appearance of the stone under 10x magnification. The majority of diamonds on the market today have unique characteristics. These are called inclusions and blemishes and point directly to the quality of the diamond.

A 4C's Grading.
Clarity is one of the 4Cs of diamond grading, the others being colour, cut, and carat. Inclusions can be in the form of hairline cracks that can make the diamond appear cloudy or tiny cracks that interfere with the structure of the diamond. All of these characteristics are very likely not visible to the naked eye and only seen under magnification.

Then There Was Light.
Most inclusions will not affect the stunning beauty of the world's most precious gem, but if the inclusion casts a cloud through the diamond it's light emission and sparkle can be affected. Any obvious large cracks will render the stone vulnerable to cracking or fracturing.

As can be seen in the illustration above the inclusion within the diamond has blemished it with a light ...
... 'cloud' which will interfere with the overall appearance of the stone and therefore detract from quality and value.

The diamond in the illustration above has a number of inclusions where marked. Most experienced diamond cutters will try to cut diamonds to ensure that no inclusions are present within the stone, but depending on the shape of the rough stone it is sometimes unavoidable that an inclusion should be present.

Blemishes and Inclusions
The internal characteristics of diamonds can be defined in these terms:~
Clouds
Included crystals or minerals
Cavities
Bearding
Internal graining
Feathers
Knots
Cleavage

Clarity:
Number and Size
Expert-10x loupe
Naked Eye
Influence on Brilliance
IF
no inclusions-internally flawless
nothing
nothing
none
VVS1
very very small inclusions, pin pricks
very difficult
nothing
none
VVS2
very very small inclusions, pin pricks
very difficult
nothing
none
VS1
very small, still minute
difficult to see
nothing
none
VS2
very small, still minute
difficult to see
nothing
none
SI1
tiny
easily seen
nothing
none
SI2
tiny
easily seen
nothing from top
none
I1
small
recognisable immediately
difficult to recognise
none
I2
larger and/or numerous inclusions
obvious
recognisable immediately
slight
I3
large and/or numerous
very obvious
very easily recognised
heavy influence

Is Your Diamond Flawless?
The vast majority of diamonds sold today are not flawless. Those that are are very rare indeed and fetch increasingly higher prices. Inclusions within a stone can be used to identify a stone, a little like a diamond 'fingerprint.' The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, supply diamond grading certificates for every diamond which includes Clarity as one of the 4Cs. The clarity of your diamond will be clearly noted on the certificate that accompanies your diamond.

The My Diamonds Diamonds
My Diamonds, a well respected Australian diamond retailing company, is vastly experienced in the exciting world of diamonds and diamond jewellery. Go to my diamonds and choose from their eclectic showroom of loose diamonds in every cut and colour. They also carry a large display of completed diamond engagement rings, fabulous wedding rings for women and men and diamond earrings and pendants.
Alternatively, call My Diamonds on 1800 766 567 and speak with one of their professional diamond specialists who will guide you on a unique experience to the perfect piece of diamond jewellery.

Find more related information on diamonds and Loose diamonds please visit at http://www.mydiamonds.com.au