Diamond Clarity
Diamonds are natural minerals from the ground. Over the years under the extreme heat and pressure. They have tiny imperfection in them, known as inclusions or on the surface known as blemishes. Clarity of a diamond define as the absence of such inclusions and blemishes.
FL – IF (Flawless – Internally Flawless)
Flawless referring to no inclusions or blemishes in the diamond under a 10x magnification. Extremely rare, prices for Flawless is the highest as it is < 1% of the diamond in the market.
Internally Flawless referring to no inclusion, but only blemishes are detectable under 10x magnification. Comparing with Flawless, they are almost identical, < 3% of the diamond in the market.
VVS1 – VVS2 (Very Very Slight Inclusion)
Inclusion are very difficult to detect under 10x magnification even with a skilled grader. VVS1 inclusion are normally on the pavilion, whereas VVS2 inclusion are on the crown and not the table.
VS1 – VS2 (Very Slight Inclusion)
Inclusions are not visible under naked eyes, easily detect under 10x magnification. Inclusion are normally on the table of the diamond and some VS2 grade might have black dot.
SI1 – SI2 (Slight Inclusion)
SI1 inclusion or black dot are noticeable and able to detect under naked eyes, without magnification.
SI2 inclusion or black dot on the crown and table are noticeable under naked eyes.
I1 – I3 (Imperfection)
Heavily included, which may affect the transparency and brilliance of the diamond. These grades are not advisable for diamond jewelleries.
Right Diamond Clarity for Proposal Ring
Select the right clarity, for the best value for money diamond. Might not need to be flawless, but at least one that is eye-clean. One look on the diamond you are not able to detect any inclusion with your naked eyes! I believe no one will bring a 10x magnification loupe on the street.
The clarity grade of VS1 and VS2, are usually eye-clean. As the inclusion are tiny and crystal or feather in the diamonds, therefore is it quite negligible. SI1 and SI2 or below quality, inclusion are quite noticeable especially the black dots. Due to the obvious inclusions and impurities, they might affect the light reflecting of the diamond in general.
Customized engagement ring, begin from the selection of the ring diamond. Natural inclusion in the diamond or coloured gemstone is inevitable. In fact, inclusion in the stone is a way to detect the origin and whether is there any heat enhancement. Diamond with flawless, is very rare in the market, prices of such diamond are a premium compared to the rest.