Diamond clarity

Importance and Factors of Diamond Clarity

Clarity is one of the four Cs of diamond grading (along with carat, color, and cut)
Inclusions and blemishes can affect the clarity of a diamond
Clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance under ten times magnification
Higher clarity grades are more valued, with Flawless being the most rare and expensive
Inclusions and blemishes can be used as unique identifying marks and proof of natural origin
Size, number, position, nature, and color or relief are considered in clarity grading

Inclusions can be solids, liquids, or gases trapped in a diamond during formation
Inclusions may include crystals of foreign material or structural imperfections
Diamond enhancement procedures can also result in inclusions or blemishes
The GIA clarity grading scale categorizes diamonds based on the visibility of inclusions
Inclusions can range from minute and difficult to see to obvious and clearly visible

The GIA clarity grading scale consists of six categories and eleven grades
Flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification
Internally Flawless diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10× magnification, only small blemishes on the surface
Very, Very Slightly Included diamonds have minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10× magnification
Slightly Included diamonds have noticeable inclusions that are easy to see under 10× magnification
GIA clarity grading is performed under 10× magnification with darkfield illumination
Graders use binocular stereo microscopes equipped with darkfield illumination
The diamond is examined from different angles and lighting conditions to assess inclusions
Graders rotate the diamond to examine different sectors and use different lighting techniques
Final assessment is made using a 10× loupe before determining the clarity category and grade

The GIA clarity grading system is widely used in the industry
Other organizations such as the American Gemological Society (AGS) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) also use the GIA system
Smaller labs may also adopt the GIA system for diamond grading
Consistency in grading systems allows for easier comparison and evaluation of diamonds
Different organizations may have slight variations in terminology and grading criteria

Laser drilling and fracture filling are methods used for clarity enhancement
The GIA does not grade clarity-enhanced diamonds, but it will grade laser-drilled diamonds
If a GIA report mentions clarity enhancement or fracture filling, it is likely a counterfeit report
Fracture-filled diamonds typically have a significant price discount compared to untreated diamonds
Reputable vendors are required to disclose if a diamond has undergone clarity enhancement treatments
The GIA's grading standards ensure consistency and reliability in diamond assessments

Reference	URL
Glossary	https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/diamond-clarity
Wikipedia	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_clarity
Wikidata	https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1030054
Knowledge Graph	https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/05c8l7