The clarity of a diamond is one of the four Cs that determine the quality of a diamond. Ideally, a diamond is completely transparent and translucent - in reality, however, the majority of gemstones have impurities and are more or less cloudy. This means that the much sought-after sparkle is reduced.
The features known as inclusions can be embedded foreign minerals, tiny cracks or crystal defects caused by growth. The clarity rating is better the fewer inclusions there are and the smaller and more inconspicuously they are placed. It is least advantageous if the inclusions are in the middle of the table facet - there they are immediately noticeable. It is better if they are near the girdle.
The GIA Clarity Scale
The internationally binding standard is the clarity grading system developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) . Size, type, position, color and number of inclusions are taken into account in the assessment.
The clarity scale ranges from the top categories FL (flawless) and IF (internally flawless) through VVS1 and VVS2 (very very small inclusions), VS1 and VS2 (very small inclusions), SI1 and SI2 (small inclusions) to I1, I2 and I3 (inclusions), where clear impurities can be seen even with the naked eye.
The majority of diamonds are in the VS and SI classes; higher quality grades are very rare and therefore expensive.
Artificial interventions to improve clarity
There are diamonds on the market whose clarity has been artificially improved. It is common practice to remove inclusions using laser beams or to repair cracks with resin. However, these treatments have a negative impact on the quality of the gemstones and must be marked "Clarity Enhanced" on the certificate. The price of such diamonds is 60 to 80% lower than that of untreated gemstones.
diamond jewelry
Diamond Rating
The Four C
