Diamond Cut Clarity Scale

A perfectly cut diamond will exhibit a lot of brilliance to the point that it masks inclusions.

Diamond cut clarity scale.

Diamond clarity is the quality of diamonds that relates to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond called inclusions and surface defects called blemishes clarity is one of the four cs of diamond grading the others being carat color and cut. For round cut diamonds under 1 carat a vs2 or si1 clarity grade will give you an eye clean diamond sometimes even si2 doesn t have visible inclsuions. Very slightly included diamonds with a clarity grade of 3 or 4 vs1 or vs2 have minor inclusions. Never skimp on cut.

The clarity scale was developed by the gemological institute of america gia to quantify these imperfections. Value and rarity are related. Slightly included diamonds with a clarity grade of 5 6 or 7 si1 or si2 have noticeable inclusions that are fairly easy to see under 10x magnification. Sometimes these inclusions can be visible to the unaided eye.

Diamond clarity is measured on a scale from included. The larger the diamond carat weight can be a factor the easier it is to see. It s usually a safe bet that the diamond will be eye clean. So a colorless diamond rates higher on the color grading scale than a diamond that is light yellow.

For round cut diamonds 1 carat or over a vs1 or vs2 will give you an eye clean stone. In this case a colorless diamond is more rare and more valuable than one with a slight yellow color. Inclusions are solids liquids or gases that were trapped in a mineral as it formed. Every diamond certified by the gia undergoes a thorough independent evaluation.

The same relationship between rarity and value exists for clarity cut and carat weight. The importance of diamond clarity is affected by the other diamond qualities such as shape and size. Understanding what diamond color means helps in choosing the right diamond. In step cut shapes such as emerald cut and asscher cut diamonds the shallow pavilion and open table accentuate the clarity of the stone and can make characteristics more easily visible.

A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue like a drop of pure water and consequently a higher value. With a high quality cut you can get away with a diamond lower in color and clarity. Each of the four c s carat weight cut color clarity is accompanied by a diamond chart illustrating the differences between grades. This short video explains the gia clarity scale and how gia classifies diamonds with a clarity grade ranging from flawless to i 3 by using a 10x magnification loupe and a microscope to see and plot the diamond s inclusions.

Here you will learn how gia diamond grades are established and how those grades affect the diamond s price. Interestingly the diamond color evaluation of most gem quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. Vs2 diamonds are the sweet spot for getting a good quality diamond and saving money. With fewer imperfections within the stone the diamond is more rare and has a higher value.