The Four C's of Diamonds

Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity is critical for engagement rings. Nature seldom creates flawless diamonds, and most stones have various types of flaws. Inclusions are additional minerals that may cause a streak or stripe through the stone, and fractures are miniscule cracks and splits that look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Clarity is the scale of perfection established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that measures the number and magnitude of flaws in a diamond.

Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from Internally Flawless diamonds that are completely free of blemishes to Imperfect 3 diamonds that possess large, heavy defects visible to the naked eye. The various gradations are:

F-IF

Flawless or Internally Flawless (two grades) - No internal inclusions - very rare and extremely valuable.

VVS1-VVS2

Very Very Slightly Included (two grades) - Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification and still invisible to the naked eye. Still an extremely valuable stone.

VS1-VS2

Very Slightly Included (two grades) - Minute inclusions invisible to the naked eye and seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.

SI1-SI2

Slightly Included (two grades) - Minute inclusions easily detected under 10x magnification and possibly visible to the naked eye. These are very popular stones because the flaws lower the price but are not so visible as to detract from its beauty.

I1-I2-I3

Included (three grades) - Inclusions visible under 10x magnification as well as to the naked eye. Stone may appear cloudy and otherwise imperfect from various angles. These are the least expensive types of diamonds because the flaws diminish the stone’s sparkle.

Judging and Enhancing Diamond Clarity

Jewelry Lab Certificates and Appraisals are the best resource for judging diamond clarity, and are available from reputable jewelers. However, the best judge of diamond clarity is the person who will wear the stone.

The most common clarity gradings are VS2, SI1 and SI2. These stones are in the middle of the scale for flaws - not totally flawless and yet not having lot of flaws. That makes them affordable for many, and depending on the cut and setting of the stone, many of the flaws may not be noticeable.

Flaws can also be camouflaged in the laboratory to avoid detection by inexperienced eyes. This makes less desirable stones more appealing while keeping the total cost affordable. Techniques for diamond clarity enhancement laser drilling to remove inclusions and fracture filling for filling cracks.

Laser Drilling

Without altering the strength of a diamond, laser drilling removes inclusions permanently. It becomes very difficult to detect when laser drilled areas are filled with a clear substance. However the filling is not permanent and the stone is more susceptible to chemical erosion and other damage.

Fracture Filling

This treatment fills tiny cracks with a clear, glasslike substance. It creates an optical illusion that conceals cracks from casual observers. Fracture filling is not permanent, however, and any cleaning or heat from repairs or sunlight can remove or darken the filler, revealing the fracture.