Almost
all diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as
inclusions. To determine a diamond's clarity, an expert views it
under 10 power magnification. In addition to internal inclusions,
surface irregularities are referred to as blemishes. These two
categories of imperfections-inclusions (internal) and blemishes
(external)-make up clarity.
The fewer the imperfections, the rarer and more valuable the
diamond. Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and
require magnification to become apparent. A laboratory-certified
clarity rating of SI2 represents the point at which inclusions are
technically not apparent to the average naked eye.
Contrary to popular belief, higher clarity does not always mean
more beautiful. If the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye,
a higher clarity does not really improve the appearance of a diamond
but rather the rarity and price. A higher clarity is more desirable
and valuable, but knowing that you have selected the right clarity
for the right reasons is most important. We recommend a clarity of
SI2 or better.
Clarity is graded using a very precise and complex method of
evaluating the size, location, and visibility of inclusions. The
diagrams to the right show a top view of a round diamond. The
inclusions, shown in red, are an approximate sample for each clarity
rating. The plotted inclusions may not be actual size for display
purposes. Remember, the inclusions depicted in red are not visible
to the average naked eye until the I1-I3 clarities. Below is the
technical clarity scale with a description of each term.
