A diamond’s clarity is determined by the amount, placement and appearance of characteristics also called inclusions, blemishes or flaws. These characteristics can affect the return of light, sparkle and brilliance of a diamond. Certified stones will often have the characteristics plotted out on the diamonds certification papers
A diamond’s clarity is determined by a certified diamontologist under 10x magnification. The accepted grading scale for GIA, IGL and EGL is shown below:
The SI3 grade is a fairly new grade, and one which has caused much debate. On one side, many believe that the gap between SI2 and I1 is too large, and it is necessary for accuracy purposes to include a grade to bridge the gap. Some feel it is useful if implemented properly, while others believe that adding it to the scale will cause graders to evaluate diamonds more harshly causing a higher number of lower graded diamonds.
Two big players in the industry have opposing views. GIA, the creator of the clarity scale has not yet recognized nor put the SI3 grade on its chart. They have said they see no reason to change their universally accepted system at this point. While the EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) has accepted and began issuing SI3 graded diamonds. This may have caused the Rapport Diamond Report aka the “Rap Sheet” to include the debated grade on its price list. The Rap Sheet is the most well known and respected pricing guides in the industry.
There are two types of characteristics associated with diamond clarity.
Inclusions: Internal Characteristic often developed during the formation process, most often as a result of the immense pressure a diamond goes through during its creation. Could also be caused by an irregularity in the crystal structure.
Blemishes: External Characteristics occur either during formation, while a diamond is being cut or as a result of everyday wear.
Bearding- Small cleavages resembling whiskers which normally occur around the girdle of a diamond. This type of inclusion is often caused during the bruting process. These hair-like fractures can often be polished out to smooth the girdle’s surface.
Cleavage- Heavy straight cracks that can compromise the stability of a diamond. If a diamond with this inclusion is struck in the wrong direction, it can split it in two.
Crystals- Occurs when a mineral such as a garnet, peridot or another diamond become “trapped” inside a diamond during formation. The diamond crystals then grow around these minerals, causing an interesting effect.
Feathers- They get their name honestly! These relatively harmless inclusions have a feather-like appearance which often occurs during the diamonds formation. Feathers can occur completely within a diamond’s surface, but sometimes extend to the surface. The latter being more of a threat to your diamond’s stability.
Knots- These originate within the diamond, then penetrate the surface of the stone causing there to be a raised area on the exterior resembling a knot.
Pinpoints- Tiny crystals which have formed resembling “pinpoints” Often appear in groups and cause that area of the diamond to look cloudy and hinder your diamonds clarity. When found in groups, these are called clusters or clouds.
Extra Facets- Facets added in order to eliminate an imperfection in the diamond-not the same as added facets, which are added as part of a cutting style.
Fracture- Chip or break in a diamond resembling a splinter. An example can been seen to the right.
Growth or Grain Lines- Small lines in a diamond caused by irregular crystallization that normally occurs during formation. If the lines are visible to the naked eye, it can lower the value of the diamond.
Naturals- Part of the diamond that was not polished during the original cutting/polishing process, often found near the girdle. Usually these blemishes are not visible with the naked eye.
Nick- Chips on a diamonds surface. An example can be seen to the left.
Pit- Hole in a facet of a diamond, vary in degree of severity.
Rough Girdle- Poorly cut/bruted girdle resulting in a grainy look.
Scratch- Scuffs on the surface of a diamond.
Characteristics can actually be a useful tool to identify your diamond. When you send your diamond out for repairs or cleaning, be sure the jeweler plots your diamonds characteristics on the repair slip when you drop it off. When it is returned, check your stone under a loupe or microscope to be sure that you are receiving your diamond back.
Finding a “Flawless” diamond is not only difficult, but will be quite expensive in relation to the same size stone which looks “eye-clean.” At Desirable Gems, we suggest that when choosing a piece such as an engagement ring, you should consider an ‘eye-clean” stone (SI 2or above).
As with all the C’s, your budget and preferences determine which stone you choose. The higher the clarity grade, the greater return of light and sparkle. The best way to select your perfect diamond is to be informed about what you are looking for and what you are looking at. The best place to start is to familiarize yourself with the Clarity chart shown above.
Sources:
http://www.diamondreview.com/tutor/4cs/tutor_4cs_clarity.shtml
http://www.wizardofjewelry.com/diamond_quality.asp
http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/diamondglossary.html
http://engagementrings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Diamond_Flaws_and_Inclusions
http://www.corbridge-jewellery.co.uk/diamond-glossary.asp
http://www.gemnation.com/base?processor=getPage&pageName=clarity_detail
http://www.goldcalculator.com/index_files/page0034.htm
A diamond’s clarity is determined by a certified diamontologist under 10x magnification. The accepted grading scale for GIA, IGL and EGL is shown below:
Explanation of SI3 Grading:
The SI3 grade is a fairly new grade, and one which has caused much debate. On one side, many believe that the gap between SI2 and I1 is too large, and it is necessary for accuracy purposes to include a grade to bridge the gap. Some feel it is useful if implemented properly, while others believe that adding it to the scale will cause graders to evaluate diamonds more harshly causing a higher number of lower graded diamonds.
Two big players in the industry have opposing views. GIA, the creator of the clarity scale has not yet recognized nor put the SI3 grade on its chart. They have said they see no reason to change their universally accepted system at this point. While the EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) has accepted and began issuing SI3 graded diamonds. This may have caused the Rapport Diamond Report aka the “Rap Sheet” to include the debated grade on its price list. The Rap Sheet is the most well known and respected pricing guides in the industry.
Inclusions and Blemishes
There are two types of characteristics associated with diamond clarity.
Inclusions: Internal Characteristic often developed during the formation process, most often as a result of the immense pressure a diamond goes through during its creation. Could also be caused by an irregularity in the crystal structure.
Blemishes: External Characteristics occur either during formation, while a diamond is being cut or as a result of everyday wear.
Some Examples of Inclusion
Bearding- Small cleavages resembling whiskers which normally occur around the girdle of a diamond. This type of inclusion is often caused during the bruting process. These hair-like fractures can often be polished out to smooth the girdle’s surface.
Cleavage- Heavy straight cracks that can compromise the stability of a diamond. If a diamond with this inclusion is struck in the wrong direction, it can split it in two.
Crystals- Occurs when a mineral such as a garnet, peridot or another diamond become “trapped” inside a diamond during formation. The diamond crystals then grow around these minerals, causing an interesting effect.
Feathers- They get their name honestly! These relatively harmless inclusions have a feather-like appearance which often occurs during the diamonds formation. Feathers can occur completely within a diamond’s surface, but sometimes extend to the surface. The latter being more of a threat to your diamond’s stability.
Knots- These originate within the diamond, then penetrate the surface of the stone causing there to be a raised area on the exterior resembling a knot.
Pinpoints- Tiny crystals which have formed resembling “pinpoints” Often appear in groups and cause that area of the diamond to look cloudy and hinder your diamonds clarity. When found in groups, these are called clusters or clouds.
Some Examples of Blemishes
Extra Facets- Facets added in order to eliminate an imperfection in the diamond-not the same as added facets, which are added as part of a cutting style.
Fracture- Chip or break in a diamond resembling a splinter. An example can been seen to the right.
Growth or Grain Lines- Small lines in a diamond caused by irregular crystallization that normally occurs during formation. If the lines are visible to the naked eye, it can lower the value of the diamond.
Naturals- Part of the diamond that was not polished during the original cutting/polishing process, often found near the girdle. Usually these blemishes are not visible with the naked eye.
Nick- Chips on a diamonds surface. An example can be seen to the left.
Pit- Hole in a facet of a diamond, vary in degree of severity.
Rough Girdle- Poorly cut/bruted girdle resulting in a grainy look.
Scratch- Scuffs on the surface of a diamond.
Are there any benefits of these characteristics?
Characteristics can actually be a useful tool to identify your diamond. When you send your diamond out for repairs or cleaning, be sure the jeweler plots your diamonds characteristics on the repair slip when you drop it off. When it is returned, check your stone under a loupe or microscope to be sure that you are receiving your diamond back.
Which clarity is right for you?
Finding a “Flawless” diamond is not only difficult, but will be quite expensive in relation to the same size stone which looks “eye-clean.” At Desirable Gems, we suggest that when choosing a piece such as an engagement ring, you should consider an ‘eye-clean” stone (SI 2or above).
As with all the C’s, your budget and preferences determine which stone you choose. The higher the clarity grade, the greater return of light and sparkle. The best way to select your perfect diamond is to be informed about what you are looking for and what you are looking at. The best place to start is to familiarize yourself with the Clarity chart shown above.
Sources:
http://www.diamondreview.com/tutor/4cs/tutor_4cs_clarity.shtml
http://www.wizardofjewelry.com/diamond_quality.asp
http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/diamondglossary.html
http://engagementrings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Diamond_Flaws_and_Inclusions
http://www.corbridge-jewellery.co.uk/diamond-glossary.asp
http://www.gemnation.com/base?processor=getPage&pageName=clarity_detail
http://www.goldcalculator.com/index_files/page0034.htm
