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 Choosing
Your Diamond Clarity |
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Diamonds that are absolutely
clear are the most sought-after and therefore the most
expensive. But many diamonds have
inclusions
— scratches, trace minerals or other tiny characteristics that
can detract from the pure beauty of the diamond. The
GIA
and
AGSL
use a detailed
system of rules and standards to summarize the number, location,
size, and type of inclusions present in a diamond.
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FL, IF Diamonds - VS1, VS2
Diamonds
SI1, SI2 Diamonds
I1 - I3 Diamonds |
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FL, IF
Diamonds: Flawless:
no internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No
internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.
VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds:
Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see
inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent
quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included:
Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye.
Less expensive than VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions
are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with
the unaided eye. A good diamond value.
I1, I2,
I3 Diamonds:
Included (three grades) - Inclusions visible under 10x
magnification as well as to the naked eye. Stone may
appear cloudy and otherwise imperfect from various angles.
Thee are the least expensive types of diamonds because of
the flaws diminish the stone's sparkle. |
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What Clarity
Grade is Best?
We recommend that you select an
"eye-clean" diamond — one that has no inclusions visible to the
unaided eye. An excellent value, diamonds of this clarity are
much less expensive than IF- or FL-grade diamonds
and typically do not contain visible inclusions that detract
from the beauty of the diamond. If you're considering an SI
grade diamond, call to speak to a diamond and jewelry consultant
who will review the diamond to ensure the inclusions are not
visible with the unaided eye. But, if you'd rather not
compromise on clarity yet are budget conscious, choose a diamond
with a good cut and G or H color.
The table below compares the
prices of diamonds with the same
carat weight, Color and cut grades.
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Clarity |
Description |
Price |
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FL |
Flawless
No internal or external finish
flaws. |
$7,500 |
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IF |
Internally
Flawless
No internal flaws. |
$7,200 |
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VVS1
VVS2 |
Very very slightly included
Very difficult to see inclusions
under 10x magnification. |
$6,900
$6,600 |
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VS1
VS2 |
Very slightly included
Difficult to see inclusions
under 10x magnification,
typically unable to see
inclusions with unaided eye.
|
$6,100
$5,600 |
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SI1
SI2
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Slightly included
Easy to see inclusions under 10x
magnification, may not be able
to see inclusions with unaided
eye. |
$5,000
$4,300 |
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~ photo courtesy of
Tonesha Housen
Diamond Education courtesy of Blue Nile
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