Clarity
The clarity of a polished diamond is one of the four attributes (Four Cs) that define and determine its value. Some uses the term "purity" while others, may refer to it as "quality."
Generally, it means the lack of flaws and imperfections. Imperfections that are within the stone or extended from the diamond's surface into the inside are called “inclusions”. Flaws that are only visible on the surface of the gemstone are called “blemishes”
Hence, Inclusions and blemishes are referred to as clarity characteristics.
A diamond's value can be affected by a seemingly minor clarity characteristic. As a result, diamonds with no clarity characteristics are rarer and more valuable than diamonds with a few clarity characteristics.
Five factors are considered to determine the clarity of a diamond which are size, location, relief or color, number and nature. Here's where the GIA's clarity grading system comes with 11 clarity grades. They are Flawless, Internally Flawless, two categories of Very, Very Slightly Included, two categories of Slightly Included, and three categories of Included.
Helpful Tips:
• Every diamond is unique but not all of them are absolutely perfect!
• They are created of Carbon exposed to extreme pressure and heat under the ground. Therefore, inclusions and blemishes are natural and unavoidable.
• The fact that clarity characteristics are so small is one of the most amazing things about them. Mostly, you have to magnify them ten time in order to see them at all. “10X” magnification is the standard for clarity grading.
• Hence, clarity is the least important of the 4Cs.
• Even if a diamond falls into the lower clarity grade, it can be “eye clean” which means the inclusions are too small and can’t be seen with the naked eye.
• The shape and size of a diamond have an impact on its clarity. When buying a diamond over one carat or certain fancy-shaped diamonds where flaws are more visible (such as an Asscher or emerald) you may want to consider a higher clarity grade.