Diamonds – April Birthstone

Did you know that the diamond is April’s birthstone?

We’d love to share some information about this worldwide favorite stone. The characteristics that determine the value of a diamond are the Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Shape. This article will focus on the clarity of a diamond.

Clarity

Because of their unique optical properties, diamonds, more than any other gemstone, are capable of producing the maximum amount of brilliance. While minute crystals of diamond or other minerals are contained in almost all diamonds, a diamond that is virtually free of inclusions and surface markings will be judged as flawless. In these diamonds nothing interferes with the passage of light or spoils the beauty, but these diamonds are extremely rare and will command a high price.

To determine a diamond’s clarity grading, it must be examined under a 10x magnification by a trained, skilled eye. What minute inclusions there may be make every diamond unique. These are, in fact, nature’s fingerprints and do not mar the diamond’s beauty nor endanger its durability. Without high magnification, you may never see these inclusions. However, the fewer there are, the more rare your diamond will be.

The following chart will show you the different levels of clarity.

Flawless or Internally Flawless diamond Very, Very Small Inclusions. Very Small Inclusions.
FL/IF VVS1 / VVS VS1 / VS2
Flawless or Internally Flawless. It is not possible to find inclusions in a FL/IF grade diamond with a 10X magnification. Best reason to buy one is so you can say “I have a flawless diamond!” Very, Very Small Inclusions. It is almost impossible to find inclusions in a VVS grade diamond with a 10X magnification. Very Small Inclusions. It is very hard to find inclusions in a VS grade diamond with a 10X magnification.

 

Small Inclusions. Small Inclusions. Eye-Visible Inclusions
SI1 / SI2 SI3/ I1 I2 / I3
Small Inclusions. Requires 10X magnification to clearly see inclusions. A good choice for someone wishing to balance high quality with relative affordability. Possible Eye-Visible Inclusions. Depending on the diamond. Many of our “I1” diamonds have tiny, subtle inclusions that are difficult to detect with the unaided eye. Imperfect. Should only be purchased when a “bluff” diamond is the primary objective.