Clarity of a diamond
Clarity refers to a stone's charateristics that are internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). The size, number, position, nature, color or relief of those classify the stone in the clarity scale. Clarity scale includes 6 categories and 5 subcategories that makes us eleven deferent levels in the clarity scale ranges from flawless (FL) to diamonds with obvious inclusions (I3). These characteristics in a diamond are unique birthmarks and a by-product of its formation deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure. Help us to seperate natural diamonds from synthetics or simulants and also identify individual stones, that's why is good plotting* them. Every diamond is unique. None is absolutely perfect under 10× magnification, though some come close. Diamonds without these birthmarks are rare, and rarity affects a diamond’s value. Most jewelers have never even seen one.
Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions and only isignificant blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
Very, Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS1)- Inclusions are very difficult for even a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification
Very, Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS2) - Inclusions are difficult to see under 10× magnification
Very Slightly Included 1 (VS1) - Inclusions are minor and not easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2) - Inclusions are minor and somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification
Slightly Included 1 (SI1) - Inclusions are noticeable and easy to see under 10x magnification
Slightly Included 2 (SI2) - Inclusions are noticeable and very easy to see under 10x magnification
Included 1 (I1) - Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may be seen face-up with the unaided eye
Included 2 (I2) - Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification or seen face-up with the unaided eye and affect transparency and brilliance
Included 3 (I3) - Inclusions are obvious to the unaided eye and affect transparency and brilliance but there is also seriously change to the stone's potential durability
*What is Plotting?
Plotting is like the fingerprint of men. We use symbols to plot on a facet diagram which represents the cut of the stone, and is helpful to identify the stone or to document its present condition or to explain its grade in clarity scale.
Photos by Dimitris Iordanis
Source: GIA's Library