Clarity

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws).

Due to minute traces of minerals trapped in the diamond during crystallization every diamond is unique. They are graded under 10x magnification by a trained diamond grader. The grading range from obviously included (I3) to flawless (FL). Diamonds without these flaws are extremely rare, and the more rare the greater a diamond's value

diamond's clarity is determined by identifying any imperfections within the body of the stone. There are a variety of identifiable types of diamond inclusions such as carbon spots, pinpoints, clouds, needles, included crystals and feathers. Diamonds with no internal inclusions are very rare, and are referred to as "flawless" diamonds. The majority of jewelry-quality diamonds have some degree of internal imperfection, and are graded as follows:

Flawless (FL)

No inclusions or blemishes are visible

Internally Flawless (IF)

No inclusions and only blemishes (surface imperfections) are visible

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Inclusions are very difficult to see even under 10x magnification

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

Inclusions are visible but can be characterized as minor

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye

Included (I1, I2 and I3)

Inclusions are visible to the naked eye, Morays does not recommend these stones

A perfect natural diamond with perfect clarity--clearness--is very rare, but many flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at them through a microscope or jeweler's magnifying loupe—eye clean.

Inclusions

Imperfections inside a diamond, such as tiny spots of white, black, or other colors; large or small cracks; colored and uncolored crystals.

Blemishes

Flaws on a diamond's exterior surface, such as nicks and scratches. Naturals, leftovers of the rough, uncut and unpolished surface of a diamond.

Clarity Enhancing Treatments

Laser Drilling

A tiny laser beam is used to drill into the diamond, tunneling-in to remove inclusions. Some inclusions are dissolved by chemical solutions that are placed in the tunnels.

Signs of Laser Drilling

Laser drilling typically leaves lines that resemble tiny jet trails, visible under side-view magnification. You'll see a tiny white dot when viewing the trails from the top of the diamond.

A newer type of laser enhancement creates cracks around inclusions near a diamond's surface. The imperfection is removed, and the marks left behind look more like natural flaws than laser trails. Laser drilling removes inclusions permanently and does not alter the strength of a diamond. Normal cleaning and the heat produced during setting repairs won't change the appearance of the stone. Laser drilled areas that are filled-in with a clear substance are more difficult to detect, but the filler should not be considered permanent.

Fracture Filling

Fracture filling is a treatment used to fill-in tiny cracks with a clear, glasslike substance. The cracks don't disappear, but the film creates an optical illusion that makes them invisible to the naked eye. Fracture filling is not a permanent treatment. Heat from repairs, cleaning, and sunlight can erode the filler or darken its color. Signs of Fracture Filling: Some signs of fracture filling can be seen using a 10X jeweler's loupe and others require a microscope.

With magnification, you might see flashes of color where cracks have been filled. The flashes aren't like the typical brilliant colors you see when rotating a stone. Instead, they follow the lines and shapes of the filled cracks.

Trapped air bubbles are a sign of fracture filling, either singly or in groups that create a cloudy appearance. Unfilled cracks in diamonds can also produce color flashes. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) advises that unfilled cracks are easiest to detect when looking at them from a perpendicular angle, while filled breaks are more obvious when looking at them from a parallel perspective. If you're buying a diamond engagement ring or other diamond jewelry that will be worn continuously, a fracture filled stone may not be the best choice, since the treatment is not permanent.

The Term "Enhanced"

Be wary if someone insinuates that the word enhanced is a positive gemstone feature. It does sound more desirable than the term treated, but it means the same thing. Find out which treatments were used and how those treatments affect the value of the diamond, its long-term appearance, and the care you should give it.
Treatments allow us to own a diamond that appears to be of a higher quality than it truly is, and there's nothing wrong with buying a treated diamond if those treatments are disclosed and you pay an appropriate price for the stone.

Jeweler Disclosure

Knowledgeable, reputable jewelers always disclose that treatments were made to the diamonds they offer for sale, but let's face it, not everyone is knowledgeable or reputable. The solution is to arm yourself with as much information as you can before you shop for diamonds. You won't become an expert overnight, but you will have a better understanding of what you're looking at and you'll know which questions you should ask before you Color make an important purchase. Illustrating progression of color through diamond grades. Not exact, of course.