AUTHOR: Cyril Bladier TITLE: Define Diamond Clarity DATE: 5:56:00 PM ----- BODY:

Diamond clarity refers to the description of the absence or presence of flaws inside or on the surface of a diamond or other gemstone. Most flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at the stones through a jeweler's magnifying loupe; and a perfect stone with perfect clarity or clearness is rare.If you have ever considered buying diamonds online to save some hard earned cash then I recommend that you go and visit our review of James Allen.com


Diamond Clarity Terms to Remember

Inclusions in Diamond Clarity

* Imperfections or flaws, inside a diamond.

* Tiny spots of different colors, including white and black.

* Cracks. Some cause no problems at all. But others can cause a split to the stone.

* Clear and colorful crystals.

Blemishes in Diamond Clarity

* Flaws found on the exterior of the diamond.

* We recommend that you go and visit Diamond Ring Shapes For our complete guide to different diamond shapes.

In grading diamond clarity, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses 10 times magnification. Diamond labellings for clarity are as follows:

Fl, Flawless

* No flaws found, both internally and externally.

IF, Internally Flawless

* Zero flaws on the interior of the stone. There are external blemishes, but very minimal.

VVS1 & VVS2, Very, very slightly included.

* Tiny inclusions. Difficult to detect, even for an experienced grader.

VS1 & VS2, Very slightly included

* Minute inclusions; not easily seen by an experienced grader.

SI1 & SI2, Slightly included

* Inclusions are easily detected by an experienced grader.

I1 & I2 & I3, Included

* The stone's transparency and brilliance are affected by obvious inclusions.

As explained here in detail, we can read that even to an experienced jeweler, flaws usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mostly, they are tiny imperfections that do not affect a diamond's brilliance. Imperfections begin to detract from the beauty of the diamond when you reach the level of "I" categories.

If you have chosen a stone that is not near the top of the scale, it is not a case of concern.

Diamond Flaws

When positioned in specific ways, some flaws are more noticeable; important consideration must be given to the location of a diamond's flaw in relation to the stone's cut. You can ask advice from your jeweler about poor positions of flaws.

Since no two stones are alike, the flaws provide a road map for us to identify our own diamonds; this was pointed out by the author of the book "Diamonds, The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide"; she further encourages to get to know the imperfections within our diamonds.

Diamond Clarity Enhancements

Although treatments can enhance diamond clarity, not all enhancement techniques are permanent. Two of the most popular treatments are:

Diamond Laser Treatments

* For removal of some types of inclusions, a laser can be used. The trail left by the laser are usually seen by an experienced jeweler.

*  Laser treated enhancements are permanent.

Fracture Filled Diamonds

* The cracks in a diamond, however tiny, are filled with a colorless substance.

* Clarity enhancement through fracture filling is not permanent.

Through treatments, a diamond appears to be of a higher clarity than it truly is. A trusted jeweler would be able to evaluate and find out if there is any treatment performed on the stone; treated diamonds normally cost less.

Of the elements considered when buying a diamond, clarity is just one of them. Other factors that you should consider are its color, carat weight and price. Searching the best diamond to purchase is like solving a large jigsaw puzzle. When you have put all the pieces together, that's when you have the perfect diamond for you. We highly recommend that you visit Easydiamondguide.com For our full guide on buying diamonds.

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