Diamond Clarity

Clarity in diamonds is determined by the amount of defects or inclusions found within the diamond itself. These inclusions can be small cracks or imperfections or possibly small crystals comprised of other materials. The number, size, color, relative location, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the clarity of a particular diamond. The Gemological Institute of America have set up a system of guidelines to determine and grade the clarity of a diamond. The system of guidelines are based on the inclusions in a diamond that are visible when a diamond is viewed under magnification.

Diamonds become increasingly rare the higher the clarity. Only about 20 percent of commercially mined diamonds have a clarity rating high enough to be used as a gemstone. The other 80 percent are for industrial use, and can show up in many forms. Out of that 20 percent that can be used for gemstones, many do have small inclusions, but such inclusions are usually not visible by the naked eye and are often hidden by the setting in a piece of jewelry.

Most of the aforementioned inclusions in gemstones do not affect the diamonds’ structure or beauty, but cloudy spots in a diamond can affect the diamonds’ ability to reflect and scatter light, thus making the diamond less attractive. This also makes the diamond less desirable. Also, large cracks near or on the surface can affect the diamonds’ structural integrity and resistance to fracturing. Diamonds, in general, are graded by the major diamond societies on a sliding scale ranging from flawless to imperfect. The grades usually have a significant impact on price.