Doing Diamond Clarity Evaluation

Of the 4C's the clarity of a diamond, as long as the diamond remains 'eye clean'

is of the least importance as it is not noticeable to the naked eye unlike the other three categories, of Cut, Colour and Carat size.

However, this does not mean that the price will not be affected, quite to the contrary.

As a general term a 'clean' diamond can be clarities within the IF(internally flawless) to VS1 (very slight1) clarity grades. The imperfections within these diamonds are impossible to detect by any non professional using a 10x magnification loupe so are considered as 'clean' by them.

Imperfections within the VS2 to SI1 range can just be perceived by the non professional and the SI2 imperfection is easy for the non pro to see using the 10x loupe. Clarity grades starting at I1 down are not 'eye clean' and will not require a magnifying lens to see.

Furthermore the value of diamonds for these different imperfection grades can vary quite substantially.

Imagine two identical sized diamonds one with a VS2 which is black in the center while the other has its VS2 as a white imperfection located near the girdle, should they be valued at a similar price? No of course not as the imperfection on the side is less easily detected and the imperfection can be 'hidden' by the claw setting when mounted and become 'invisible'.

As the clarity imperfection grade augments so does this basic difference and its influence on the value of the diamond. As an example imagine a black centrally located VS2 which, due to its location will refract around the facets unlike a white, side located SI1, which may be bigger as imperfection size goes but far less apparent when looked at under 10x magnification.

Again the VS2 should be cheaper, but often this is not the case and people purchasing from 'listings' simply on the details provided on a certificate without proper guidance and advice are being misled either on purpose or by the 'ignorance' of the supplier on these important factors.

Diamond grading, in general, is not an exact science and this is most apparent when one is talking about the clarity grades within diamonds.

Should you require the best possible advice you must consult an experienced and knowledgeable expert professional and these people are difficult to find. Most jewellers are not diamond experts and those who are diamond experts are not jewellers who supply diamond engagement rings.

One such expert can be found at www.JewelleryWebShop.co.uk where a wide variety of engagement ring styles can be found and you get the extra benefit of expert professional advice from a REAL diamond cutter and certified gemologist as well. Look them up as it is well worth the effort.

by: George Ziadmann

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