What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamonds have been cherished for centuries, their allure rooted in attributes such as cut, carat, color, and arguably most importantly, clarity. At Shiva’s Gold and Gems, the prestigious member of the “Leading Jewelers of the World,” we understand the significance of diamond clarity when it comes to choosing the perfect piece. In this blog post, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of diamond clarity to aid you in making an informed decision.

The Four Cs of Diamonds

Every diamond is unique, much like our vast collection of diamonds at Shiva’s Gold and Gems. Each one is characterized by the Four Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. These four characteristics help determine a diamond’s quality and value. While carat refers to the weight, cut relates to the shape and how well it has been cut from the rough, and color grades the absence of color, clarity is our main focus for today.

Detailed Understanding of Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are internal characteristics while blemishes are surface imperfections. These traits are often microscopic and do not affect a diamond’s beauty, but they can impact its value.

The Diamond Clarity Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Clarity Scale includes eleven grades: 

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification
• Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions and only blemishes visible under 10x magnification
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification
• Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance

Understanding this scale is key to assessing a diamond’s worth and helps create transparency for both buyers and sellers.

How Clarity Affects a Diamond’s Appearance

The visual impact of different clarity grades varies. For instance, a Flawless grade diamond will have no visible inclusions or blemishes, but a diamond with a Slightly Included grade may have inclusions that are slightly visible to the naked eye. The diamond’s size, shape, and cut also play a significant role in how clarity impacts its overall appearance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Diamond Clarity

When considering clarity, balance it with the other Cs. Your personal preference plays a crucial role here. Consider the type of jewelry setting you prefer – certain settings may hide inclusions better than others.

Is High Clarity Always Necessary?

While high clarity sounds ideal, it is not always essential. For instance, high clarity is less critical in smaller diamonds as the inclusions are hard to see. Furthermore, high clarity often comes with a high price tag. The overall aesthetic and visual appeal sometimes matter more than a high clarity grading.

Tips for Buying Diamonds

At Shiva’s Gold and Gems, we stress the importance of certifications and grading reports. They assure you of the quality you are getting. And when a diamond doesn’t have certification, finding a trustworthy jeweler is essential – and that’s where we come in, with our boutiques located in both Aruba and St. Maarten.

Conclusion

Understanding diamond clarity is an integral part of selecting the perfect diamond. We hope this blog post has empowered you to make an informed decision on your next diamond purchase.

Explore our vast collection of diamonds, precious stones, and award-winning designer jewelry at our boutiques or online. Feel free to contact us at our Aruba and St. Maarten locations for any further queries. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for our latest updates, new arrivals, and special offers!

Happy diamond shopping!