C3: Clarity
When your gemologist inspects your online loose diamond for overall quality the process is structured. The jeweler will determine the clarity of the diamond. Using a 10x magnification loupe, your jeweler will determine the size, type, and position of any imperfections. The industry refer to slight imperfections in diamond clarity as “inclusions.” Your Jeweler will classify your diamond into one of the following catagories based on the inspection:
Within the VVS, VS, and SI classifications there are additional gradations denoted by a number 1 or 2. For the included class, the subdivisions are denoted with a number from 1 to 3. Because most diamonds have flaws, a flawless diamond and nearly flawless diamond (clarity between FL and VVS2) is considered particularly rare and are consequently particularly pricey. Bear in mind that an ideal cut diamond will optimize the use of light, creating fire and brilliance. Inclusions can hinder how the light reflects, lessening the brilliance and prismatic effect of color in a diamond.
FL
Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare and very expensive diamond.
IF
Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Also very rare and very expensive.
VVS1-VVS2
Very, Very Slightly Included: Extremely difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. Rare and expensive.
VS1-VS2
Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye. High quality.
SI1-SI2
Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification. Good quality diamond.
I1-I2-I3
Included: Inclusions and flaws visible to the naked eye. Diamonds On Web only carries I1 diamonds, and does not carry diamonds of I2 and I3 clarity grade.
BEST VALUE: CLARITY
For the best clarity value, Your Jeweler recommends that you choose a clear, “clean”, or “eye-clean” diamond. An eye-clean one has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye. To ensure the highest clarity diamonds Your Jeweler at Online Loose Diamonds only offer diamonds with a clarity grading of: FL, IF, VVS1-VVS2, VS1-VS2, SI1-SI2, and I1.