Diamond Clarity (cont.)

The Gemological Institute of America has developed a scale to classify the clarity of diamonds. This scale is accepted as the worldwide standard.. As is normal practice, all grading is performed with a 10x magnification jeweler's loupe.

Diamond Clarity Scale

FL – Flawless – No flaws of any kind can be seen even using the loupe

IF – Internally flawless but may have minor surface blemishes

VVS1 – VVS2 – Very, Very Slightly included containing very small inclusions that are difficult to see even with a loupe.

SI1 – SI3 – Slightly included contain flaws that can be readily seen with the loupe, but not with the naked eye.

I1-I3 – Imperfect or Pique contain medium to large inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.

It should be understood that when it is indicated that flaws are visible or invisible to the naked eye, or using a loupe, the eye referred to is that of a professional. It should be noted that from FL through SI this system has to do with the diamond's value, not with its unmagnified appearance.

Easily the most affordable, quality stones are SI1-SI2. They are considered 'eye-clean' and are a fine value.

Next: The Diamond Fingerprint

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