Diamond Cut Clarity Scale

Understanding what diamond color means helps in choosing the right diamond.

Diamond cut clarity scale. Value and rarity are related. Never skimp on cut. With fewer imperfections within the stone the diamond is more rare and has a higher value. Vs2 diamonds are the sweet spot for getting a good quality diamond and saving money.

The larger the diamond carat weight can be a factor the easier it is to see. Very slightly included diamonds with a clarity grade of 3 or 4 vs1 or vs2 have minor inclusions. Interestingly the diamond color evaluation of most gem quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue like a drop of pure water and consequently a higher value.

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. 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. It s usually a safe bet that the diamond will be eye clean. The importance of diamond clarity is affected by the other diamond qualities such as shape and size.

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. Every diamond certified by the gia undergoes a thorough independent evaluation. 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. The clarity scale was developed by the gemological institute of america gia to quantify these imperfections.

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. Inclusions are solids liquids or gases that were trapped in a mineral as it formed. With a high quality cut you can get away with a diamond lower in color and clarity. In this case a colorless diamond is more rare and more valuable than one with a slight yellow color.

Each of the four c s carat weight cut color clarity is accompanied by a diamond chart illustrating the differences between grades. Diamond clarity is measured on a scale from included. A perfectly cut diamond will exhibit a lot of brilliance to the point that it masks inclusions. The same relationship between rarity and value exists for clarity cut and carat weight.

Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. So a colorless diamond rates higher on the color grading scale than a diamond that is light yellow. Ags 5 6 or 7. The diamond s clarity is a description of its internal purity.