What to Look For In Clarity

Clarity is one of the 4 Cs that determines the value of a diamond. The diamond's flaws, or inclusions in the diamond determine clarity and how easily they are detected. Inclusions can be cracks, flaws or foreign substances. Any flaws or scratches on the surface also refer to clarity. Clarity has its own grading scale. If a diamond is referred to as FL, then no fault was found under magnification. This standard examination process examines a diamond under 10X magnification.

Internally flawless is often referred to as IF. There may be small flaws on the surface of the diamond but there are no flaws internally and there are no inclusions. Very slight inclusions that are hard to notice during analysis are referred to as WS1 and WS2. The inclusions in the diamond are undetectable by the human eye but are noticeable under magnification. If a diamond flaw cannot be visible to the human eye they are considered SI1 and SI2. If inclusions are obvious to the human eye they are considered imperfect and are referred to as I1, I2, and I3.

There is no operation that can reverse flaws or inclusions but recent technology is trying to find ways to enlarge the inclusions and fractures in the diamonds so that they can fill them in. The FL is the most highly sought diamond and the most expensive due to its internal flawlessness. But other grades, such as VVS and VS, are extremely popular and gorgeous diamonds because their flaws are undetectable by the human eye. These flaws are only detectable to an experienced expert using magnification.

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