What is Diamond
Clarity?
Diamond clarity is the measure of flaws found in and on the
outside of a diamond. The less flawed a
diamond is, the more value it has and the higher the price tag. There are very few diamonds which can be
categorized as having no flaws at all, however, most diamond flaws cannot be
seen without magnification of at least 10 times. Because issues with diamond clarity are often
undetected when looking at a diamond, some people consider this to be one of
the least of their concerns when selecting a diamond to purchase.
How is Diamond Clarity
Determined?
The most well known measurement of diamond clarity is done
by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
It ranks diamonds based on a grading system it created that ranges from
flawless diamonds, to imperfect diamonds, with many different grade ranges in
between. The better the clarity ranking,
the more expensive a diamond will sell for as it has more value.
Types of Inclusions
that Effect Diamond Clarity
Inclusions are flaws that effect diamond clarity. They make it so that the diamond is not
“perfect”, and there are visual imperfections within the gemstone. Most flaws however, are un-noticeable to the
naked eye and can only be seen under high levels of magnification.
There are names for many of the most common inclusions.
Carbons effect diamond clarity because they are very small black dots found on
the surface of a diamond, which may or may not be visible in regular
lighting. Some may be so small that you
need magnification to view them. Pinpoints effect diamond clarity because they
are white dots along the surface of a diamond. Pinpoints are the most common of
all diamond flaws. Clouds effect diamond clarity because they cause what look
to be cloudy areas within the gemstone.
The clouds are actually made up of many growths of crystals that are
positioned very close together within the diamond, and their proximity to one
another is what causes the cloudiness to appear. Feathers effect diamond clarity by causing
cracks to form within the diamond, that look similar to that of broken glass.
Clarity Enhancements
No comments:
Post a Comment