Clarity

Every diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Inclusions in the form of fractures or minerals occur naturally in the earth and are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. The greater a diamonds clarity the rarer and more valuable it is.

The clarity grades as defined by the GIA are generally accepted as the benchmark throughout the world. Diamond Specialist specialize in diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye so you can be assured that the diamond you get is of exceptional clarity. Absolutely clear diamonds with no inclusions whatsoever are extremely rare and the most sought after of all diamonds. The GIA use a detailed system of rules and standards to summarize the number, location, size and type of inclusions that occur in diamonds.

Most leading diamond retailers will not stock diamonds with a clarity level of SI2 or less as this is the minimum that the naked eye cannot see.

At Diamond Specialist we too only stock diamonds of SI2 or better clarity (unless specifically asked for by the buyer against our advice) so you can be assured that the diamond you purchase will look great whatever the occasion.

FL, IF Diamonds: Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.
VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds: Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x
magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.
I1, I2, P1, P2 Diamonds: Included: Inclusions visible
VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be
visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.
I1, I2, P1, P2 Diamonds: Included: Inclusions visible

Typical clarity terms

Bearding
Tiny feathers extending into the stone from the girdle usually caused by heavy or excessive bruiting (polishing)

Blemish
Any external or surface feature such as abrasions, nicks, scratches etc.)

Burn mark
Surface clouding caused by excessive heat generated by polishing.)

Cavity
A small hole or indent in the surface.)

Chip
A shallow fracture at the facet junction or on the girdle edge. Larger and deeper than a nick.)

Cleavage crack
interna; fracture following the direction of a cleavage plane.)

Cloud
Hazy or milky area visible within a diamond caused by myriad tiny pinpoints.)

Crystal
a diamond or other mineral enclosed within a diamond during its growth.)

Extra Facet
small facet often added after polishing to remove blemishes.)

Feather
a cleavage crack which appears white when seen at right angles to the crack.)

Fracture
a chip or break in the diamond across the cleavage line.)

Graining shadow like lines caused by twinning or minute irregularities in the crystal structure.)

Natural
a portion of the original rough diamond is present on the girdle.)

Nick
very small chip on a facet junction or girdle edge.)

Pinpoint
small, whitish rounded crystal not large enough to be identified as a crystal.)

Pit
very small hole on the surface of a polished diamond.)

Scratch
thin shallow abrasion on the surface appearing as a white line.)