kristin
12-07-2005, 03:12 PM
Clarity
A diamond's clarity is directly related to it's rarity. Clarity refers to a diamond's relative freedom from clarity characteristics. Clarity characteristics are inclusions (which are inside the stone) and blemishes (which are on the surface of the stone). The fewer clarity characteristics, the more rare the diamond.
The GIA Clarity Scale:
FL
FLAWLESS -
Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10x magnification when observed by an experienced grader.
IF
INTERNALLY FLAWLESS -
Has no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10x magnification, but will have some minor blemishes.
VVS1 & VVS2
VERY VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED -
Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10x magnification.
VS1 & VS2
VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED -
Contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds, or feahers when observed with effort under 10x magnification.
SI1 & SI2
SLIGHTLY INCLUDED -
Contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10x magnification.
*there is an SI3 grade that is not part of the official GIA scale, but very common. This is used when a stone is not good enough to be in the SI2 catagory but not in the I1 catagory either.
I1, I2, & I3
INCLUDED -
Contains incusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.
A diamond's clarity is directly related to it's rarity. Clarity refers to a diamond's relative freedom from clarity characteristics. Clarity characteristics are inclusions (which are inside the stone) and blemishes (which are on the surface of the stone). The fewer clarity characteristics, the more rare the diamond.
The GIA Clarity Scale:
FL
FLAWLESS -
Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10x magnification when observed by an experienced grader.
IF
INTERNALLY FLAWLESS -
Has no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10x magnification, but will have some minor blemishes.
VVS1 & VVS2
VERY VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED -
Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10x magnification.
VS1 & VS2
VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED -
Contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds, or feahers when observed with effort under 10x magnification.
SI1 & SI2
SLIGHTLY INCLUDED -
Contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10x magnification.
*there is an SI3 grade that is not part of the official GIA scale, but very common. This is used when a stone is not good enough to be in the SI2 catagory but not in the I1 catagory either.
I1, I2, & I3
INCLUDED -
Contains incusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.