Diamond Clarity: The Diamond Clarity Chart

Diamond clarity is defined as a scale measurement of inclusions on the surface or within the gem that occurred as the diamond took form. Inclusions may appear as fractures or air pockets or may even have a cloudy appearance. The diamond clarity scale is registered by a jeweler under the scrutiny of a 10X Magnifying Loupe and diamond clarity chart. How many inclusions and where the inclusions are, determine the diamond clarity scale rating, and this affects the cost of the diamond. The highest grade in this characteristic is the flawless diamond. Flawless diamonds are very rare in nature, and therefore, are more costly.

The diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless (F) to Included (I). The closer the diamond is to flawless clarity, the better the quality of diamond you will be buying. This scale of clarity is established by the Gemological Institute of America.

Diamond Clarity Chart -

FL - Flawless Diamond Clarity
Diamonds with this clarity have no imperfections inside or on the outside of the stone under the magnification of a loupe of 10 power.

IF - Internally Flawless Diamond Clarity
Diamonds have no inclusions under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.

VVS1 and VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Imperfect Diamond Clarity
These diamonds have very small inclusions which are very difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.

VS1 and VS2 - Very Slightly Imperfect Diamond Clarity
These diamonds have small inclusions which are slightly difficult to difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.

SI1 and SI2 - Slightly Imperfect Diamond Clarity
Diamonds have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible to the naked eye.

SI3 Clarity Diamonds
The SI3 diamond clarity grade is given out by EGL, the European Gemological Laboratory and is described as a blend between the SI2 and I1 clarity grade.

I1, I2, I3 - Imperfect Clarity Diamonds
These diamonds have inclusions which range from eye visible to very easily seen to the naked eye.

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