GSI Cofounder Debbie Azar

Brides: A Complete Guide to Diamond Clarity

GSI President Debbie Azar gives an expert take on diamond clarity. 

Brides: A Complete Guide to Diamond Clarity 2PHOTO BY LYNN DUNSTON

By Brides – https://www.brides.com/diamond-clarity-chart-5192329

If you’ve dabbled with the idea of a diamond engagement ring, you’re no doubt well-acquainted with the 4Cs: cut, carat, color, and clarity. The latter, however, is like a diamond’s fingerprint—making each and every gemstone unique.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Definition: Diamond clarity refers to the quality of inclusions or blemishes found in or on a diamond. Using the diamond clarity chart, each diamond is given a rating based on the transparency or purity of the diamond.

To learn more about diamond clarity, we consulted experts Caylee Kozak of Gemist and Debbie Azar of Gemological Science International. Read on to understand the diamond clarity chart, how clarity impacts cost, and more.

MEET THE EXPERT

Debbie Azar is the president of Gemological Science International (GSI).
Caylee Kozak is the merchandising director at Gemist.

The Importance of Diamond Clarity

Per Kozak, when you buy a diamond from a certified dealer you’ll receive a report that indicates the size, shape, location, and number of inclusions in the stone. “You commonly hear these referred to as ‘flaws,'” she says. “In a diamond, these inclusions could be anything from nearly-invisible specs, clouds of minuscule crystals, wispy feather-like fractures, or larger formations that appear grey or even black.”

There are a few ways to think about your diamond’s inclusions. For some, it’s a flaw that could potentially take away from a gemstone’s sparkle. “Diamonds with many visible inclusions can’t reflect light the same way a cleaner stone can,” Kozak shares. It’s also possible for an inclusion to breach the surface, which she explains could impact the diamond’s durability. “This can allow the diamond to chip or fracture more easily.”

On the other hand, many experts are fascinated with inclusions. “Gemologists love inclusions because they make every diamond unique and help to identify it,” Azar adds. “Because diamonds are minerals formed hundreds of miles below the surface of the earth that undergo immense heat and pressure, it’s inevitable that they trap other minerals and parts of the earth in them as they form. These minerals become telltale birthmarks of the diamond’s origin.”

Understanding the Diamond Clarity Chart

In 1953, Azar shares, the jewelry industry adopted an 11-factor scale for evaluating a diamond’s clarity. From least included, to most included, the measurements are: Flawless (Fl), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS1), Very Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS2), Very Slightly Included 1 (VS1), Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2), Slightly Included 1 (SI1), Slightly Included 2 (SI2), Included 1 (I1), Included 2 (I2), and Included 3 (I3).

“The diamond clarity chart breaks down how visible inclusions are with 10x magnification and with the unaided eye, starting with no inclusions being visible even under 10x magnification for the Fl and IF clarities, and ending with inclusions being visible to the unaided in the I1, I2, and I3 categories,” Azar says. 

When assessing a diamond’s clarity, you may notice terms such as minute, minor, or noticeable, she adds. “VVS diamonds have minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to find under 10x magnification. VS diamonds have inclusions that are difficult to find under 10x magnification. SI diamonds have inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification but not visible to the unaided eye,” Azar adds. “Finally, I clarity diamonds have inclusions visible to the unaided eye.”

How Clarity Impacts the Cost of a Diamond

Kozak explains that clarity in diamonds impacts the cost in two primary ways, the first of which being that diamonds that are almost entirely free of inclusions are impeccably rare, and are priced much higher. “Secondly, clarity matters more in step-cut diamonds like emerald and Asscher cuts because their wide facets create a sort of window-mirror effect and inclusions are much more visible,” Kozak says. “Brilliant-cut diamonds have many more facets that help to hide inclusions.”

Azar also explains that clarity’s impact on cost is intrinsically tied to the diamond’s other 3Cs (carat, color, and cut). “While the clarity can significantly impact a diamond’s cost, many inclusions typically cannot be seen by the naked or unaided eye,” she says. “With regard to clarity alone, fewer inclusions in a diamond will typically have a higher price, but again, the price is based on all the 4Cs as opposed to one single measurement.”

How Gemologists Grade Clarity

On the technical side of clarity, gemologists turn to impressive technology to determine a diamond’s grade. “They use a binocular microscope to find the inclusions, and then use a 10-magnification loupe to determine the final clarity grade,” Azar says. “Diamonds are judged at 10-power magnification, which means the lens magnifies the diamond to look ten times larger than actual size.”

Because the types of inclusions that can occur are vast and every diamond is unique, Azar encourages an appreciation of your stone’s individuality. “From included minerals such as garnet, olivine (peridot), and other diamonds, to twinning of the diamond crystal (called twinning wisps), and even star-shaped clouds, diamond inclusions are a source of fascination and beauty,” Azar says. “So, when you look at the inclusions in your diamond, remember they are a birthmark of the diamond’s origin, born billions of years ago deep in the earth.”

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FAQ

Where is Gemological Science International (GSI) located?

GSI is headquartered in New York, NY. It has 13 laboratories on four continents and in a number of countries: the United States, India, Dubai, Israel, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Botswana. This makes GSI one of the largest independent gemological organizations in the world.

Is there a difference between grading reports issued by different GSI laboratories?

All GSI laboratories grade using the same methods and adhere to the same standards. Every laboratory is staffed with highly trained professionals who have years of grading experience and an extensive gemological background.

What does it mean when a sales associate tells me my diamond is “GSI Certified” or is accompanied by a “GSI Certificate”?

The phrases “GSI Certificate” and “GSI Certified” are industry shorthand for GSI grading or identification reports. What this means to you is that expert gemologists and trained professionals meticulously evaluated the item. When your diamond, jewelry or gemstone is accompanied by a GSI grading report, you can be completely confident in the accuracy and objectivity of the evaluation.

Where can I find “GSI Certified Diamonds”?

GSI diamond grading and identification reports can be found in jewelry stores worldwide and online. Insist on a GSI grading report when shopping for a diamond, jewelry or gemstone.

What do I do if I lose my GSI Diamond Report?

Every GSI grading report is available on our website. Please visit gemscience.net and go to “verify your report”. Enter your GSI report number and you’ll instantly have access to a digital copy of it. You can also email us through the website to request a copy.

What are the 4Cs

A beautiful diamond is one of nature’s most mesmerizing creations. But how do you objectively judge the quality of the gem? The 4Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight – are the universal standard for doing this.

Is there anything beyond the 4Cs?

The 4Cs are an essential and important description of a diamond’s characteristics. But there is a considerable amount of detailed information behind each “C” along with other qualities of a diamond that affect its beauty, such as fluorescence, light performance and more.

How much do you need to know? That’s up to you, but knowing the 4Cs is almost essential.

What does a GSI diamond grading report look like?

GSI offers a number of grading reports (often referred to as “GSI Certificates”). You can see samples of them by browsing the Grading Reports page on our website.

What does a GSI colored diamond grading report look like?

You can see samples grading reports by browsing the Grading Reports page on our website.

What does a GSI Colored stone report look like?

You can see samples of Colored stones reports by browsing Grading Reports page on our website.

How does a GSI grading report compare to other laboratories that issue grading reports?

It is our policy not to comment on other laboratories. However, know that GSI adheres to the highest ethical standards. We do this in a number of ways:

  • Rotating gemologists to our different labs
  • Continuously upgrading our proprietary grading software to ensure full compliance with international grading standards
  • Having our gemological research department constantly investigate new developments in the industry, which informs the grading process

What’s the difference between a “GSI Certificate” and a “GSI Diamond Grading Report”?

GSI issues a variety of grading and identification reports. Consumers and industry professionals often call these reports “GSI Certificates”.

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