Diamond Clarity and Grades Explained – Ascot Diamonds (2024)
Inclusions in a diamond are characteristics visible inside the stone created by Mother Nature during the formation of the crystal under enormous heat and pressure billions of years ago.
The highest clarity rating for diamonds is Flawless (F). Flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10X magnification when examined by a qualified diamond grader. The second highest rating is Internally Flawless (IF), which means there would be only insignificant superficial blemishes but no inclusions visible under 10X magnification.
VVS graded diamonds typically contain minute inclusions that appear no larger than the finest pinpoint under 10X magnification.
VSgrade diamonds contain minor inclusions ranging somewhat more evident than VVS however still insignificant even under 10X magnification.
SI grade inclusions are larger and easier to identify under magnification; however SI clarity grades can often be a buyers best friend provided the diamond is 100% eye clean and the inclusions are favorably positioned in the diamond. With these pre-requisites a stone could be just as brilliant as a flawless diamond and will cost substantially less.
“I1, I2 and I3” clarity diamonds (Included) category contain inclusions that are visible (I1) to the naked eye and obvious under 10x magnification. I2 and I3 stones usually contain inclusions that are easily visible and often affect the brilliance, appearance and durability of the stone. For this reason Ascot does not recommend or offer “I1, I2 and I3” clarity grades.
GIA states that there are five factors determining the Clarity grade of any diamond. These are: Inclusion Size, Scope, Position, Nature and Relief. The size and number of inclusions as well as their location in the stone determines clarity grade and value. An inclusion under the table of a stone will be more visible, and less desirable than an inclusion located closer to the edge [girdle] of the stone. Also, since diamonds are a very reflective material, if the inclusion is located deep and too close to a pavilion facet it tends to reflect around the stone like a house of mirrors resulting in lower desirability and value.
The type of inclusion also makes an impact on value. Inclusions that break the surface of a diamond have considerable impact on durability and value and should be avoided.
Ascot’s philosophy on clarity is to offer VS1, VS2, in addition to ‘very carefully selected’SI1 and SI2 grades to present clients with the best possible value.
Ascot Diamonds goes to great lengths in order to find the preferred types of inclusions in every stone we offer for engagement rings and custom jewelry.
Flawless: No surface blemish or internal inclusions
inclusions
In mineralogy, an inclusion is any material that is trapped inside a mineral during its formation. In gemology, an inclusion is a characteristic enclosed within a gemstone, or reaching its surface from the interior.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Inclusion_(mineral)
present at all. Internally Flawless: Indicates a microscopic surface blemish. VVS1 and VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions: VVS grades indicate inclusions that are barely visible even under 10x magnification – a single microscopic pinpoint.
VS1 is higher than the VS2 grade. The only difference between the two is a VS2 diamond's impurities can be easier to spot than those in a VS1. Imperfections in a VS2 grade diamond are similar in size and quantity to those in a VS1.
"VVS" stands for "Very, Very Slightly Included" or “Very, Very, Small Inclusions” (both mean the same thing!). It's one of the glittering grades in the diamond clarity scale. This term, like a diamond, is multifaceted.
The highest clarity rating for diamonds is Flawless (F). Flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10X magnification when examined by a qualified diamond grader.
An SI2 diamond can be a good purchase if it is eye-clean. SI2 clarity diamonds have noticeable inclusions that a diamond grader can see using 10x magnification. Sometimes, the inclusions like feathers, chips, and clouds are so many and so big that they can be seen with the naked eye too.
G or H Color Diamond? Diamond experts recommend that you should not go beyond the H color if you purchase a diamond. The difference between G and H color diamonds is not worth the extra price because the color difference is almost impossible to detect with the naked eye.
On the one hand, in almost all cases, the lower (VS) clarity will not be evident to the naked eye. On the other hand, the higher (VVS) clarity represents a diamond that is closer to perfect – and rarer – than the lower-clarity stone. For some, the decision might be driven by the cut and shape of the diamond.
No, a moissanite is not a diamond. Professionals grow them in laboratories because they are visually similar to diamonds, but compositionally they're quite different. Diamonds are composed of carbon and moissanites are composed of silicon carbide.
The most popular and well-known diamond shapes are the round brilliant, princess, oval, cushion, emerald, Asscher, marquise, radiant, pear, heart, baguette, and trillion cut diamonds. This guide explains the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each of these different diamond shapes.
The most expensive diamond with a monetary valuation is The Cullinan Diamond. Only The Kohinoor diamond is considered more valuable, but it has no price tag and is simply considered “priceless.”
The round cut is the most brilliant or the most sparkling diamond cut. Fifty-eight facets (including the culet) are cut into brilliant round diamonds to allow light to pass through and reflect off each facet.
The average engagement ring diamond size in the United States is between 1.08 - 1.2 carats. However, the average carat weight varies depending on age and location. For instance, millennials tend to spend less on diamonds than older generations, making their average diamond size lower.
E color diamonds are a top-tier choice, offering a near-perfect, colorless appearance. They're a step away from the highest grade, D, but to the naked eye, the difference is negligible. The GIA grades diamonds in the D, E, and F range as “colorless”. However, this high quality comes at a cost.
For two carat diamonds clarity, we recommend a VS2 or above. This grade usually ensures that the diamond is eye-clean and free of obstructive inclusions.
F color diamonds are considered nearly colorless and typically do not appear yellow to the naked eye. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
VS1 is a high clarity grade with no eye visible inclusions and only small, hard to identify inclusions under 10x magnification. These diamonds represent the top 5% of all gem quality stones and are highly recommended as a blend of value and quality.
Diamonds with no inclusions visible even under 10X magnification receive the highest grade, the highly prized Flawless (F). The next highest grade is Internally Flawless (IF). Such stones have no visible inclusions, just like F stones, but might have surface blemishes.
What's the best diamond color? Among white diamonds, D color diamonds are of the highest grade. D color diamonds are in the "colorless" range on a diamond color scale along with E color diamonds and F color diamonds. Fancy color diamonds such as yellow or pink diamonds have their own color grades.
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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