Clarity is the third C. Clarity refers to the appearance of the diamond. If it is clear and free of flaws it has good clarity. Sometimes flaws can only be seen through a jeweler's glass eyepiece and not with the naked eye. Many people consider minor flaws to be OK and would prefer a larger diamond even if it does have cloudy spot or imperfections. A very large diamond with noticeable imperfections will, in value, be worth much less than a very small diamond with no noticeable flaws, which gives an idea of the perceived value of clarity when rating diamonds.

These flaws are known in the jeweler's trade as inclusions. Not all inclusions will destroy the value of the diamond. If for instance small defects in clarity are noticeable in an area that will be covered by the mounting, this is not as damaging as a crack or cloud spot that cannot be hidden. Inclusions are charted on the certificate that accompanies the diamond and like a fingerprint or DNA can be used for identification if the diamond is ever stolen.

The best clarity is IF or LC which stands for Internally Flawless or Loupe Clean. Sometimes also F is used for Flawless but this is not a very consequent: if there is a scratch on the diamond it is not flawless anymore. A scratch on the surface can be easily polished away, however, the term IF or Internally Flawless is a more adequate designation.

Other clarities are VVS (VVS1 and VVS2) which stands for Very Very Slightly Included, VS (VS1 and VS2) which stands for Very Slightly Included, SI (SI1, SI2, and SI3) which stands for Slightly Included and finally P (P1, P2, and P3) which stands for Pique.

VVS, VS and SI diamonds have inclusions but they are not visible with the naked eye. Only when using a 10 x maginifaction loupe. P has inclusions which are visible with the naked eye.

Whenever you are buying a diamond try to go for IF or LC if they are within your budget or VVS or VS. An SI can also be good but it depends from diamond to diamond.

Always remember it is not only Diamond Cut, Diamond Carat Weight, Diamond Color and Diamond Clarity that determine the value of a diamond. There is also fluorescence and table percentage, to name a few, but the 4 C's are a good place to start.

If you have any specific questions or demands, please do not hesitate to visit us, send us an e-mail or call us. We are here to serve you.

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