Product Knowledge
The 4 C’s - Diamond Clarity
Like people, all diamonds are unique. As diamonds are being formed, small amounts of minerals are trapped in them during the crystallization process. These mineral characteristics identify individual diamonds, much like fingerprints do for people. Called "inclusions", their locations, number, sizes and color determine the diamond’s value. The fewer imposing inclusions there are, the higher the clarity of the diamond. It will reflect more light, and the diamond will be deemed more valuable. A diamond without visible inclusions is a rare act of nature. It will return the most light to the eye, since there is nothing to distort the light’s path.
Grades of Clarity
Free from all inclusions and blemishes, even under magnification.
Minute inclusions which are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification.
Minute inclusions which are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.
Minor inclusions which are difficult to see face up under 10x magnification.
Minor inclusions which are somewhat easy to see face up under 10x magnification.
Inclusions which can only be seen under 10x magnification.
Inclusions which can be easily seen under 10x magnification.
Obvious inclusions under 10x magnification. Inclusions are visible to the unaided eye.
Obvious inclusions which are easily visible to the unaided eye.
Prominent inclusions which are very easily visible to the unaided eye.
Characteristics Which Affect Diamond Clarity
Internal Characteristics
- Cleavage or feather, occurs along atomic grain
- Fracture, irregular crystal break
- Included crystal
- Carbon spot, included crystal (dark)
- Pinpoint, small included crystal (white)
- Cloud, group of pinpoints
- Internal grain line
- Laser drill hole
- Bearded or Feathered girdle, minute to small hairline fractures extended from the girdle into the stone
External Characteristics
- Natural, unpolished surface, original "skin" of the rough diamond
- Pit, small indentation on a facet surface
- Cavity, opening on surface nick, minor surface chip
- Grain/Twinning line, irregularity in atomic grain, the crystal growth
- Scratch, small groove
- Abraded facet junction, can be from normal wear