Diamond Clarity Guide

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When we talk about a diamond's clarity, we refer to characteristics on and within the stone. While most of these characteristics are inherent qualities of the rough diamond and have been present since the earliest stages of the crystal's growth below ground, a few extreme stress that a diamond undergoes during the cutting process itself.

If you think about the incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a diamond, it's no surprise that many diamonds have inclusions— material scratches, blemishes, or non-diamond material on their surface or inside. However, diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more highly valued than those with lower clarity, not just because they are more pleasing to the eye but also because they are rarer.

Clarity Grading is intended to describe to what degree and under what conditions a diamond is free of naturally occurring inclusions or blemishes.

A diamond is carbon that crystallizes in the earth for millions of years. During crystallization, various inclusions may form within the crystalline structure. These inclusions, described by terms such as cloud, feather, dark inclusions, etc., are found in almost every diamond and are generally caused by conditions present when the diamond was formed. Clarity grading measures how many of these flaws are present and gives special consideration to where they are located in the diamond.

The Clarity of a diamond is based on the number, location, size, and type of inclusions found in the stone. An inclusion is an imperfection or trace mineral in the stone visible under a jeweler's loupe. The fewer inclusions, the clearer, more brilliant, and more expensive the diamond will be. A "Flawless" diamond has no inclusions and is extremely rare and valuable.