SHOP OUR
ONLINE STORE


SHOP
SHOP 		SPECIAL
ORDER
JEWELRY		 TEACHER
OF THE YEAR
JEWELRY		 FREE
WEDDING
PLANNER		 JEWELRY
LEARNING
  CENTER		 MISS
SOUTH
CAROLINA		 FAQ STORE
LOCATIONS
AND HOURS		 CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES		 ABOUT US

HOME

BABY/CHILDREN

BRACELETS/ANKLETS

CHARMS

EARRINGS

DIAMOND JEWELRY

EGGS-FABERGE STYLE

GEMSTONE

JOURNEY

STAINLESS

MOTHERS RINGS

 NECKLACES

 PALMETTO JEWELRY 

·  COIN

· 14KT/DIAMOND

·  SILVER

RINGS

SPECIALTY JEWELRY

WEDDING BANDS

GIFT ITEMS

WATCHES

JEWELRY CLEANING ITEMS

1. Cut     2. Color     3. Clarity     4. Carat-Weight

Understanding Clarity - The 4 C's - Jewelry Warehouse

 

 

When we speak of a diamond's clarity, we are referring to the presence of identifying 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 are actually a result of the harsh 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—scratches, blemishes, or non-diamond mineral material—on their surface or inside. 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.

 

How are Diamonds Graded for Clarity

Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from Internally Flawless, diamonds which are completely free of blemishes and inclusions even under 10x magnification, to Imperfect 3, diamonds which possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.

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 that is visible under the magnification of a jeweler's loupe. The fewer inclusions the diamond has; the clearer, more brilliant and more expensive the diamond will be. A "Flawless" diamond is one that has no inclusions and is extremely rare and valuable.



F-IF: Flawless or Internally Flawless. Diamonds in this range have no internal inclusions. Very rare.
VVS1-VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included. Inclusions are tiny and few in number and are very difficult to detect, even under 10x magnification.
VS1-VS2: Very Slightly Included. Inclusions are small and are generally invisible to the naked eye and seen only under 10x magnification.
SI1-SI2: Slightly Included. Inclusions are usually either a little larger or greater in number than in a VS stone, or are located more centrally within the stone, rather than off to the sides. These inclusions are fairly easy to find under 10x magnification, though they are usually still invisible to the naked eye. In some cases, inclusions might be slightly visible to the naked eye when the diamond is viewed at certain angles
I1-I2-I3: Included. Inclusions are large and/or numerous and may be visible to the naked eye. Diamonds with a grade of I3 are generally not considered jewelry-quality and they are not sold by Jewelry Warehouse.

 

While the presence of clarity characteristics do lower the clarity grade, and therefore the value, of a diamond they can also be viewed as proof of a diamond's identity. Most AGS and GIA certificates (except for dossiers) include what is known as a "plot" of a diamond's inclusions. (Dossiers identify diamonds with an inscription number and a written description of the main clarity characteristics instead of a plot). Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing the uniqueness of your diamond's clarity characteristics with the plot provided on the diamond certificate offers assurance that the diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive.