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Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to
how clear, or "clean" the diamond is. The more "clean" the
diamond, the higher the price. Most diamonds have "imperfections"
in them. The clarity scale is a measure of the severity of
those imperfections or "inclusions" as it is known in the
trade.
For example, a deep break in a diamond which is not that visible
when you look at the stone face-up, could sometimes have a
greater impact on the clarity of a stone, than a small black
crystal which you can see very clearly face-up.
The following is the GIA Diamond clarity-scale:
FL-Flawless
These stones have no imperfections inside or on the outside
of the stone under the magnification of a loupe of 10 power.
IF-Internally Flawless
These stones have no inclusions under a loupe with a 10
power magnification.
VVS1,VVS2-Very Very Slightly Imperfect
These stones have very small inclusions which are very difficult
to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.
VS1,VS2-Very Slightly Imperfect
These stones have small inclusions which are slightly difficult
to difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification.
SI1,SI2-Slightly Imperfect
These stones have inclusions which are fairly easy to see
under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible
to the naked eye.
I1,I2,I3-Imperfect
These stones have inclusions which range from eye visible
to very easily seen to the naked eye.
SI3
Outside of the GIA Diamond clarity scale is a grade you
may have seen called SI3. The Rap Sheet, which is a Trade
Publication, honors the SI3 grade which is given out by
EGL, the European Gemological Laboratory. It is described
as a split between the SI2 and I1 clarity grade.
How much does "clarity" affect cost?
The effect of all the different properties of Diamond on
Cost is discussed in more detail in the Cost section. For
clarity, let's take a typical Diamond for an example, and
see what happens when we take it through different clarity
grades.
Let's start with a 1.00 carat Diamond of G color and SI1
Clarity. If you move up to a VS1, you will pay approximately
an extra $1000 per carat. Move up to VVS1, the increase
will be approximately $700 per carat. Improve the clarity
to IF and the increase will be approximately $700 per carat.
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