Clarity
Almost all diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions.
To determine a diamond's clarity, an expert views it under 10 power magnification.
In addition to internal inclusions, surface irregularities are referred
to as blemishes. These two categories of imperfections-inclusions (internal)
and blemishes (external)-make up clarity.
The fewer the imperfections, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.
Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification
to become apparent. A laboratory-certified clarity rating of SI2 represents
the point at which inclusions are technically not apparent to the average
naked eye.
Contrary to popular belief, higher clarity does not always mean more beautiful.
If the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, a higher clarity does
not really improve the appearance of a diamond but rather the rarity and
price. A higher clarity is more desirable and valuable, but knowing that
you have selected the right clarity for the right reasons is most important.
We recommend a clarity of SI2 or better.
Clarity is graded using a very precise and complex method of evaluating
the size, location, and visibility of inclusions. The diagrams to the
right show a top view of a round diamond. The inclusions, shown in red,
are an approximate sample for each clarity rating. The plotted inclusions
may not be actual size for display purposes. Remember, the inclusions
depicted in red are not visible to the average naked eye until the I1-I3
clarities. Below is the technical clarity scale with a description of
each term.
