4c’s: Clarity
PostBy Avi Paz Group At 01.08.2010
Diamonds, being formed at great depths and under immense pressure and then hacked out of the earth, are obviously liable to contain flaws. Clarity, one of the vaunted "4 Cs" in grading diamonds and determining their value, measures how free a given diamond is from internal flaws (inclusions) and external flaws (blemishes).
The most common internal flaws are crystals (minerals trapped in a diamond during its formation), clouds ("foggy" spots caused by crystals that can only be seen under magnification), and feathers (fractures). Small feathers do not damage a diamond's structural integrity, but large feathers can weaken it and will have an adverse affect on the diamond's grade and value.
The Gemological Institute of America examines diamonds under 10X magnification to assign them an accurate clarity grade, using the standardized clarity scale that has been developed. The GIA clarity grading range is as follows:
FI: Flawless, internally and externally
IF: Internally flawless. Slight external blemishes
VVS1, VVS2: Very, very slightly included. The stone's inclusions are difficult to detect
VS1, VS2: Very slightly included and the inclusions are not easy to detect
SI1, SI2: Slightly included. An experienced grader will notice the inclusions
I1, I2, I3: Included. Easily spotted inclusions that could affect the diamond's brilliance
Nowadays, diamond clarity can be enhanced through laser treatments or fracture filling. Lasers can be used to remove certain types of inclusions, but will leave marks on the diamond that can be seen by an expert eye.
In fracture filling, which is not considered a permanent treatment, cracks in a diamond are filled in with a colorless substance. But regardless of technological advances, flaws need not render a diamond worthless. Often, depending on the precise location of the flaw, imperfections can be mitigated by the diamond's cut.
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