Diamond clarity ratings: Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. Diamond Clarity indicates the measure of extent and number of flaws in a diamond. Diamonds clarity is determined by viewing it under a 10-power magnifying glass by a professional or a jeweler.
Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn’t so. Clarity of diamonds actually refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond. It is quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond. There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are ‘eye clean’ - meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories.
Diamond clarity grading: The best diamonds, of course get a grade of FL or IF - Flawless or Internally Flawless - meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the worst. Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond is very, very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and SI-2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.
A diamond that is virtually free of interior or exterior inclusions (commonly referred to as flaws) is of the highest quality, for nothing interferes with the passage of light through the diamond. The diamonds with perfect clarity or clearness are rare. Most diamonds normally have inclusions. Most flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at gemstones through a jeweler’s magnifying loupe.
Diamond clarity ratings is one of the most important aspects to look for when buying diamonds. The price of a diamond increases in relationship to the clarity of diamonds measurement - the better it is, the higher the price.