The 4 C's - Clarity

The 4 C's that measure general "Diamond Quality"

When a diamond grows, (that's right - they "grow") it can grow around other gemstones in it's path, or may have some unique structural characteristics from it's growth process. These characteristics are referred to as "inclusions". They are "included" within the stone. A microscope utilizing 10 X magnification is a main tool that a gemologist uses for clarity grading.

Where you wish to be in diamond clarity depends upon your personal tastes and on how much you wish to spend.

The diamond clarity grade "Flawless" refers to a stone that, under 10 power magnification, reveals no visible internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes) characteristics. These are very rare, and you pay a very high premium for them.

They can still be purchased of course - but one question that I always ask is, "why are you interested in a "flawless" diamond?"

If a person wants one just so they can have one, that's one thing. Occasionally a person says they want one, because "a diamond with "flaws" is no good..." then they need some more information.

All diamonds have something in them. Flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions, under 10X magnification. However, mother nature always has some wonderfully individual irregularity in the things she makes, and just like people, each one is unique.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with inclusions. If you don't want any to be visible to the naked eye, you just have to go with the range from SI 2 and up. You can save some significant money on the purchase that way.

A microscope utilizing 10 X magnification is a main tool that a gemologist uses for clarity grading.

Clarity Grades

VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) group refers to stones that require 10 power magnification to see any inclusions. This grade refers to stones in which inclusions are very difficult to see, and may be located near the outer areas of the stone, making them more difficult to see.

VS (Very Slightly Included) group refers to stones that still require magnification, but in which the inclusions are easier to see. They may also be more centrally positioned in the stone.

SI (Slightly Included) group refers to stones that still require magnification to see inclusions, but once magnified, easily reveal their inclusions. However, none are visible to the naked eye.  This grade includes SI1 and SI2.

I (Included) group refers to stones that have inclusions of such magnitude, that they are visible to the naked (unmagnified) eye. They may be merely visible, or may also effect the structural integrity of the diamond.  This grade includes I1, I2 and I3.