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

Types of Inclusions and Blemishes

• 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

GIA Clarity Grading Scale and Procedure

• 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

Other Diamond Grading Organizations

• 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

Clarity Enhancement and GIA Policy

• 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

Diamond clarity Data Sources