Diamonds:
The Four Cs - Diamond Clarity |
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The
second quality grade of a diamond is the Clarity. Clarity refers
to the amount of visible bits or 'inclusions' inside the diamond
crystal. The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond.
This increase in value is once again based on rarity. Most diamonds
mined have specks visible to the unaided eye. |
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What
is that speck? |
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These
tiny identifying marks consist of "naturals" on the
outside or inclusions on the inside of the stone. Inclusions refer
to anything that is trapped within the diamond crystal. Nearly
all diamonds, even those of the highest quality, have some inclusions,
which fall into these categories: |
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Mineral
inclusions a dark spot from a trapped bit of mineral |
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Naturals open cavities interrupting the diamond surface that were a part of the original diamond crystal |
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Feathers internal cracks or fractures caused by either internal or external stress during the diamond's formation. |
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Ideally you should be looking at Diamonds of clarity of SI1 and above. The clarity grade of SI1 (small inclusions) is basically clean to the naked eye and any inclusions within the diamond are only visible under 10x magnification. A flawless diamond is said to have zero or almost impossible to see inclusions within its physical composition. Clarity is graded on the number of inclusions, frequency, size and locations. The fewer in number these imperfections are, the greater the value of the diamond and the “cleaner” a diamond appears to the eye or loop. Almost all diamonds have natural characteristics, or inclusions unique to the particular stone. Some are obvious at a glance, some are undetectable with the naked eye. Inclusions affect a diamonds ability to refract light, thus determining the overall brilliance. The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone. Flawless diamonds are rare, and are usually found in crowned collections. Diamonds with very, very small (VVS) or very small (VS) inclusions are highly valued and are closer to the top of the diamonds scale. Diamonds graded I1-I3 has inclusions that can be seen by the untrained eye. |
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Clarity of a diamond is the easiest of all the four C’s. We personally like any diamond where we cannot see any inclusions. We usually recommend diamonds between VS2 and VVS1 clarity. You can purchase a flawless diamond but the sparkle will not increase and the only visible difference you will see is under 10X. |
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| goto Diamonds: The Fours Cs - Carat | |
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