What Is the Diamond Clarity Scale?

Diamond Clarity Scale is one of the extremely important criteria for evaluating diamonds. It falls within the 4Cs standard (Clarity) and is divided into many different levels. Based on this scale, we can accurately determine the actual value of a diamond. So what exactly is this standard and what grades does it include? Let Jemmia explore the details right below.

What is Diamond Clarity Scale?

Diamond Clarity Scale (purity scale) is an international standard system, often established by GIA, used to assess the cleanliness and transparency of a diamond based on the number, size, position, and prominence of internal inclusions along with surface blemishes under 10x magnification.

Diamond means kim cương, Clarity means transparency or purity, and scale means level or ratio. This phrase means the level of a diamond’s purity. Within the scope of diamond evaluation according to the 4C standard it is a scale of levels.

The purity or clarity of a diamond refers to the transparency of each diamond. A diamond’s clarity grade is evaluated by analyzing inclusions and blemishes, or whether there are no inclusions at all. The fewer inclusions and marks a diamond has, the better the quality and the higher the value.

Diamond Clarity Scale (purity scale) 

You need to understand the inclusions and imperfections of each diamond based on the Diamond Clarity Scale. From there, you can identify and buy a diamond with a clarity level that suits your preferences. In reality, diamonds with absolutely no inclusions are extremely rare and extremely precious.

If inclusions are formed during the creation of diamonds deep within the earth, then the polishing or cutting process reveals external imperfections. Simply put, inclusions are caused by internal factors, while blemishes found on the diamond surface are partly man-made.

See more: What is a pear-cut diamond?

What is Diamond Clarity Scale divided based on?

The American Gem Society AGS stated in detail that: “Diamond grading experts use their professional knowledge to analyze the size, nature, number, position, as well as the visibility of inclusions and imperfections to determine the most suitable clarity grade for the diamond”. 

Clarity has many different grades and is evaluated through aspects such as: inclusion size, inclusion position, number of inclusions… However, they are usually too small to be recognized by the naked eye. Jewelry experts assess clarity using 10x magnification. This is an important standard to understand when learning how to choose a diamond.

After classifying and mapping the inclusions and blemishes, experts use the Diamond Clarity Scale to determine the highest clarity starting from the lowest level.

Diamond grading experts use professional knowledge to analyze 5 main factors

See more: What is the Rapaport diamond price list?

Diamond clarity levels in the 4C standard

According to the GIA system, Diamond Clarity Scale is divided into 11 specific grades in 6 main groups: FL (Flawless), IF (Internally Flawless), VVS (Very Very Slightly Included), VS (Very Slightly Included), SI (Slightly Included), and I (Included).

• FL – Flawless: No internal or surface imperfections, the most valuable and extremely rare diamond
• IF – Internally Flawless: No internal imperfections and this diamond is very rare.
• VVS1 or VVS2 – Very very few inclusions: Even with 10x magnification, these inclusions are still very difficult to identify. This is a diamond with excellent clarity and rare value.
• VS1 or VS2 –  Very few inclusions: Imperfections are difficult to see at 10x magnification. This is a very good diamond in terms of clarity.
• SI1 or SI2 – Has a few inclusions under magnification but difficult to see with the naked eye.
• I1 to I3 – Obvious blemishes.

Why do you need to pay special attention to Diamond Clarity Scale?

Paying attention to clarity helps you correctly assess the economic value and brilliance of a diamond and make the smartest investment choice.

Below are 3 main reasons why Jemmia Diamond recommends that you pay attention:

• Value: The cleaner the diamond and the fewer inclusions it has, the higher its value and the better its ability to retain value.
• Brilliance: Inclusions act as light barriers. A diamond with high clarity allows light to pass through better, helping the stone shine more brilliantly.
• Smart choice: Buyers can choose VS1-VS2 grades to balance flawless beauty (to the naked eye) and price. Meanwhile, SI1-SI2 is a more economical option that still ensures aesthetics if you know how to select inclusion positions carefully.

Thus, Diamond Clarity Scale has many different levels. Depending on your financial ability and purpose of use, you can choose a diamond with suitable clarity. Don’t forget to visit Jemmia Diamond so that experts can advise you more thoroughly on how to choose the ideal clarity for your jewelry!