Diamond Clarity in the UK - Diamonds Online

Buy Diamonds Online at:

Clarity along with cut, color and carat (weight) are what gemologists colloquially dub the four C's, which refer to the distinct aspects of grading the quality and value of a diamond. The clarity of a diamond is a measure of the amount of flaws on, or in, the diamond. Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare, although often flaws are so small that they can only be seen through a jeweler's eyepiece. Common internal blemishes to look out for include cracks, and black and white mineral deposits, while external flaws are usually the result of poor cutting or polishing.

There are a number of treatments which can be used to 'correct' flaws in diamonds. These commonly include: removing internal blemishes with a laser and filling cracks (the latter are known as fracture filled diamonds). However, any trusted jeweler with a degree of experience will be able to tell you if a diamond has been tampered with.

Both the Gemological Institute of America and the European Gemological Laboratory use the same clarity scale, which grades diamonds magnified 10X under a jeweler's loupe. At the top of the scale FL denotes a flawless diamond, while the bottom of the clarity scale is marked by I 3 (Imperfect) diamonds. Any diamond graded I will have blemishes that are visible to the naked eye. It goes without saying that: the 'cleaner' the diamond, the higher the price.

The internationally recognized clarity scale is as follows:

FL : F lawless: containing no internal or external blemishes

IF : I nternally F lawless: containing no internal blemishes

VVS 1 - VVS 2 : V ery V ery S lightly Included: two grades denoting slight blemishing, difficult to see with a loupe.

VS 1 - VS 2 : V ery S lightly Included: two grades denoting blemishing that's easier to detect with a loupe
SI 1 - SI 2 : S lightly I ncluded: two grades denoting blemishing that are easily detected with a 10X loupe and may be visible to the naked eye I 1 - I 3 : I ncluded: three grades denoting flaws that are easily visible, even to the untrained eye

Flaws in diamonds aren't all bad news as they can be a useful way of tracking gems. In the same way that a fingerprint is unique so is a diamond's clarity and a map of the diamond's flaws is part of the Gemological Institute of America's certification.

Pink Fridge Online Magazine > dating online > marriage counselling > wedding planning guide > pregnancy symptoms & advice > how to work at home > tanning > baby gifts > shopping for engagement rings > shopping for sunglasses > shopping for shoes > shopping for wedding favours > shopping for wine

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2009 - Diamonds

Contact | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Advertising