Diamond clarity

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Feb 06, 2012 - 02:14 am

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Diamond Clarity

	Observation of inclusions
	Clarity scale
	Clarity enhanced
	Type of inclusions
	Grades of inclusions (diamond images)
	Corrective

Observation of inclusions

An inclusion is observed by the table and the pavilion to determine:

Its size.
Its contrast.
Its position.

Clarity scale

FLAWLESS (FL)	These stones have no imperfections inside or on the outside of the stone under the magnification of a loupe of 10 power.
INTERNALLY FLAWLESS (IF)	These stones have no inclusions under a loupe with a 10 power magnification. Loupe clean
VVS1 VVS2	These stones have very small inclusions which are very difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification. VVS = Very Very Slightly Included.
VS1 VS2	These stones have small inclusions which are slightly difficult to difficult to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification. VS = Very Slightly Included.
SI1 SI2 SI3	These stones have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible to the naked eye. GIA, the largest and most widely accepted Gem Laboratory in the world, does not recognize SI3 grades. SI = Slightly Included.
I1	Flaws that are visible to the naked eye. I1 = Included 1.
I2	Many flaws clearly visible to the naked eye that also decrease the brilliance. I2 = Included 2.
I3	Many flaws clearly visible to the naked eye which decrease the brilliance and compromise the structure of the diamond, making it more easily cracked or chipped. I3 = Included 3.

Clarity enhanced

If an artificially modified inclusion has been done i t will be mentioned in « Comments » on the certificate. To detect these diamonds, look at the stone from the table with a magnifying glass 10 X, slighlty move the stone (for it to sparkle) you may see a small « flash ». This flash is very fast and rather difficult to see, if you see it, you are in the presence of a diamond called « Clarity enhanced ». You will find these terms (clarity enhanced) written the section « Comments » on the certificate, wisch is issued by the international laboratories (GIA, HRD, IGI, EGL, etc...).

These diamonds should not be heated at a too strong temperature, because the resin which was introduced to stop the hole of the laser would melt. We let to you imagine the result.

The price of these diamonds is lower due to the artificial modification of their clarity.

Grades of inclusions

(Click on an image to enlarge)

VVS1	VVS2	VS1


VS2	SI1	SI2


SI3	I1	I2


I3	Drilling laser	Hole in the table

Grades of inclusions (diamond images)

(Click on an image to enlarge)

VVS1	VVS2	VS1	VS2


SI1	SI2	I1

Corrective

	Degrade of a category a particularly contrasted inclusion.
	Improve of a category an inclusion near to the edge of the stone.
	Degrade of a category a unit of the same inclusions size (example: 3 inclusions VS2 = SI1).