purchase a small 10 x magnification jewelers loop, and bring it with you when shopping for diamonds. It's the bext $15 you'll ever spend and put you on equal footing with the seller.

When speaking of Diamond's CLARITY, you are referring to the presence of distinguishing characteristics on and within the stone (or the lack thereof). All Diamonds are graded based on their appearance under 10 x magnifications. So when selecting the right Diamond for you, remember what can be seen under magnification using sophisticated microscopes, may not be easily seen by the naked eye.

Like color, the clarity of Diamonds is an important factor in determining a Diamond's value. It’s very rare for a Diamond to be absolutely perfect. Diamonds have internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Sometimes, tiny Diamond or other mineral crystals are trapped inside a Diamond when it forms. Depending on where they're located, they might still be there after the stone has been cut and polished.

Together, a clarity grade is determined by the relative absence of blemishes or inclusions. Some clarity characteristics might have some negative influence on Diamond value, but they also have positive effects as well like help gemologists separate Diamond from lab-created Diamond stimulants. It's easier to tell the difference with included Diamonds than with flawless ones.

• (FL) Flawless: Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification when observed by an experienced grader.
• (IF) Internally Flawless: Diamonds have no internal inclusions and only very minor surface blemishes that are apparent only under 10x magnification.
• (VVS) Very, Very Slightly Included: Diamonds are graded within one of two subcategories, VVS1 and VVS2. In both, the inclusions are extremely difficult to see. The most typical inclusions found in Diamonds within these two clarity grades are a few tiny pinpoints, faint clouds, tiny feathers, or internal graining.
• (VS) Very Slightly Included: Diamonds are graded within one of two subcategories, VS1 and VS2. They have minor inclusions, which are miniscule and impossible to detect with the naked eye. Inclusions, which are typical in these clarity grades, include small-included crystals, feathers, clouds, and groupings of pinpoints.
• (SI) Slightly Included: Diamonds are graded within one of two subcategories, SI1, SI2, Inclusions are often centrally located and easily detectable. In some cases, an inclusion may even be visible to the naked eye under close examination, yet not visible when the Diamond is mounted and viewed under normal circumstances (in a ring, pendant or earrings). Typical inclusions in these clarity grades are included crystals, clouds, and feathers.
• Imperfect: Diamonds graded within one of three subcategories, I1, I2, and I3. These grades contain inclusions that are very obvious under 10 x magnifications and may be visible to the naked eye. Typical characteristics of these grades include large included crystals and feathers. Clarity is an important part of Diamond certification.

  As you read about the other THREE of the Four Cs (Carat (Weight), Color & Cut), you will see how clarity plays an important role in Diamond certification.

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