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Diamond Clarity Grading Simplified
In diamond clarity grading the term, "clarity" is actually a flaw-grade and refers to the tiny imperfections present when the stone was originally formed by nature. If no flaws can be seen under 10X magnification, such as with a diamond "loupe" (a hand held magnifier), it is considered "flawless".
In diamond clarity grading there are 13 classes of flaws internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes), but the most common are dark spots of foreign material, tiny internal cracks called "feathers", and external nicks or chips.
The diamond clarity grades are as follows:
FL: Flawless. Cannot be seen with a 10X diamond loupe.
IF: Internally Flawless. Has tiny nicks or scratches that can be polished out.
VVS1, VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included. Very, very difficult for a qualified observer to see under 10X magnification.
VS1, VS2: Very Slightly Included. Very small inclusions, very difficult to see by a qualified observer.
SI1, SI2: Slightly Included. Can be seen fairly easily by a qualified observer with a 10X loupe, and in some cases without magnification.
I1, I2, I3: Imperfect. Inclusions can be seen with the naked eye, but can be desirable stones at a much lower cost if they are brilliant and lively.
Because I3 is the lowest grade used, be on the lookout for industrial grade diamonds not suitable for jewelry that have been classified I3.
FL and IF diamonds are extremely scarce and expensive, so are rarely used in jewelry. VVS stones are rare and priced at a premium, but VS diamonds are more readily available in good color and cut.
(NOTE: To better understand Diamond Clarity Grading use form below, from time to time, to do a trial search of our 50,000+ Diamond List and compare the pricing of various diamond grades.)
If you know your diamond clarity grading, you will also know that with SI and I1 stones you find your bargains in good looking diamonds, and I2 should be the bargain hunter’s choice for earrings or pendants that are difficult to view up close, as they are priced very reasonably. If well cut with a Class 1 Premium cut grade, they are beautiful.
Diamond clarity grades dramatically affect the value, but down to I1 have little effect on its beauty. Unless there are cloudy inclusions, even an I1 or I2 will not harm the Brilliance of a well cut diamond.
Clarity enhancement techniques are being used today and are disclosed by reputable jewelers. The most common are laser drilling to remove black inclusions, fracture filling to hide cracks and heat or radiation treatment to lighten or change the color.
Such "clarity enhanced" stones are usually available at the price of their original included condition saving you thousands of dollars in many cases.
The final test is whether or not you get a good looking diamond at a fair price. We give a money back guarantee with every diamond we sell.
Having read about diamond clarity grading, go next to Diamond Cut Grading.
If you have any questions, email them to us at Diamond Search, or telephone 800-498-7302.
Search Instructions:
1. Click on a diamond shape.
2. Adjust the bars with your cursor or type in the high and low ranges for price and desired characteristics below.
3. Click "Search".
4. If no results or too many results, re-adjust price and/or characteristics ranges.
5. If having trouble,email Diamond Search, or telephone 800-498-7302.
Most of the data on this page came from the book, Jewelry & Gems, The Buying Guide by Antoinette L. Matlins, PG & A.C. Bonanno, FGA, PG, ASA, published by GemStone Press, Woodstock, Vermont.
