Become an educated expert in diamonds, jewelry, rings, precious metals like platinum and gold as well as gemstones and pearls. Make the best purchase possible with our comprehensive education pages.
Buying diamonds and jewelry can be an overwhelming experience, but that can always be changed. Understanding a piece’s quality and characteristics is straightforward and simple. You can learn here about diamond shapes, diamond cuts, diamond color, diamond calrity, and diamond carat weight.
Our education pages are designed to answer all your questions. It explains how those characteristics influence appearance, and which are more important than others. Once you're done, you'll know everything you need to find your perfect piece.
DIAMOND CLARITY
Clarity describes the presence or absence of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes on its surface. These slight birth mark type indications make every diamond quite unique. However, they do affect the beauty and value of the diamond. These natural birthmarks are often referred to as inclusions. The fewer inclusions a diamond may have the more rare and valuable it is. Diamonds which contain several inclusions are less bright because inclusions interfere with light passing through the diamond.
Enchanted Diamonds Clarity Scale:
Diamond Clarity Grading is handled with specifically designed microscopes. Diamonds clarity is anticipated using ten-power magnification.
- Flawless = No inclusions observed
- VVS = very, very small inclusion(s) - very difficult to discern
- VS = very small inclusion(s) - difficult to discern
- SI = small inclusions - readily visible under ten-power magnification
Nearly all diamonds actually do have some inclusions which are evidence of the natural evolution of the original diamond crystal. Inclusions can be compared to that as a fingerprint to the stone, as the size and position is different in every diamond and are indicators of a natural stone. Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL), where under 10x magnification a diamond is completely free of inclusions, to Imperfect 3 (I3) where diamonds possess large, heavy inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. Though flawless diamonds are the rarest, a diamond does not have to be flawless to be stunning. Diamonds with VVS and VS Clarity grades represent excellent choices for both value and appearance. Even diamonds with an SI rating do not have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and offer a more affordable option. The Clarity grade is verified by an independent certificate that accompanies your diamond.
MORE DETAILED DIAMOND CLARITY DESCRIPTION
Flawless - These stones have no imperfections inside or on the outside of the stone under the magnification of a loupe of 10 power.
Internally Flawless - No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x agnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 - Inclusions are typically not visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades. Even properly graded VS2 diamonds can have visible inclusions in very large sizes or diamonds that do not have many facets which make flaws more visible such as an emerald shape.
SI1, SI2 - These stones have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible to the naked eye. Some SI clarity diamonds do have visible inclusions and should be evaluated carefully. SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are not always visible to the open eyes and prices are reasonable when compared to prices of the VS2 clarity and up grades.
SI3 - Outside of the GIA Diamond clarity scale is a grade you may have seen called SI3. It is an EGL grade and is not recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions. The SI3 clarity grade has been adopted by other labs as well. Naturally an SI3 clarity grade would usually be given an I1 grade by the GIA.
I1 - These stones have inclusions which range from eye visible to very easily seen to the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious. Overall the diamond should still look nice however I1 clarity grades vary quite a bit so one should be very careful when making a selection. If your pocket allows for an SI3 or I1 clarity diamond, be sure to test it thoroughly before purchasing and make sure the inclusions do not detract from the overall beauty of the diamond.
I2, I3 - These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the open eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and/or appear very cloudy or milky from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.
