MENU - Home - Cut - Clarity - Color - Carat - Certificates - Shapes - Loose Diamonds GIA, AGS Certified Diamonds Diamond Jewelry EGL Certified Diamonds

Blemishes, Bubbles, Inclusions, and More Nature rarely fits the human concept of "perfect" -- stunning, beautiful, awesome, and incredible, but rarely perfect. Diamonds are crystals that have been placed under extraordinary stress by the forces of nature -- and as such, they are imperfect in that they have blemishes and inclusions... in a word, flaws. Two Types of Flaws External Flaws (Blemishes): surface flaws include bumps, scratches, nicks, and pits. Internal Flaws (Inclusions): interior flaws include mineral deposits, bubbles, feathers. All of these "flaws" are factors in what is called the "diamond's clarity." The bigger and more numerous the flaws, the lower the clarity grade. How is Diamond Clarity Graded? Diamonds are examined under 10x magnification. Diamonds may be examined using a 10x jeweler's "loupe" or a 10x microscope. A jeweler's loupe is a small, inexpensive device that can be carried in your pocket. The grade is determined by a certified gemologist based on the number and type of flaws viewed at 10x magnification. What are the Clarity Grades? F Flawless: No external or internal flaws -- EXTREMELY rare and VERY expensive. IF Internally Flawless, external flaws (blemishes) only, no inclusions. Again, rare and EXPENSIVE. VVS1 and VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification. VS1 and VS2 Very Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions invisible to the naked eye and seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification. SI1, SI2, SI3 Slightly Included. Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification. Please note that the SI3 grade is fairly new and not recognized by all certifying bodies. I1, I2, and I3 Included (three grades). Inclusions visible to the naked eye (no magnification required). Which Clarity Grade of Diamond Should I buy? For grades F through SI, a diamond's clarity grade has an impact on the diamond's value, NOT on the unmagnified diamond's appearance. Because flaws are visible to the naked eye, we strongly recommend AGAINST purchasing diamonds in the "I" grade. If price is your primary concern, select a diamond in VSI or SI grade. If price balanced with quality is you primary concern, select a diamond in the VVS or VSI grade. If price is no object (and we mean NO object), select a diamond in grades VVS - F. Additional Resources Where to Buy Editor's Pick! Mondera: AGS and GIA certified diamonds DiamondSafe.com: EGL certified diamonds Tutorials, Guides Diamond Buying Guide: More extensive information about each of the Four Cs, precious metals, diamond pricing, and more. Auntie's Diamonds: More extensive information presented in a humorous (and accurate) manner.

© 2001 - 2005 ShoppingBrains.com, All Rights Reserved.