COLOR

CLARITY

Clarity describes the presence or absence of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes on its surface.

GIA & CIBJO Definitions for Clarity Ratings-

FL (Flawless) Flawless diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes of any sort when examined under 10X binocular magnification.

IF/Loupe Clean (Internally Flawless) No inclusions, and only insignificant surface blemishes. Normally, what separates IF from FL diamonds are characteristics that can be removed by very minor re-polishing.

VVS1 and VVS2 (Very Very Small or Slight Inclusions) Minute inclusions that are difficult for even a skilled grader to see under 10X binocular magnification. In VVS1, they are extremely difficult to see, visible only from the pavilion, or small and shallow enough to be removed easily by re-polishing. In VVS2, inclusions are still difficult to see.  Typical inclusions: scattered pinpoints, taint clouds, slightly bearded girdles, internal graining, and tiny feathers, chips and bruises.

VS1 and VS2 (Very Small or Slightly Included) Minor inclusions ranging from difficult to somewhat easy to see when examined using 10X magnification.  Typical Inclusions: small included crystals and feathers, distinct clouds, and groups of pinpoints.

SI1 and SI2 (Small Inclusions or Slightly Included) Noticeable inclusions that are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see when examined using 10X magnification.  Typical inclusions: small included crystals, clouds, and feathers.

SI3 (Small Inclusions or Slightly Included) Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to see when examined using 10X magnification.  Typical inclusions: small included crystals, clouds, and feathers.

The SI3 was born out of the desire of the Diamond Industry to incorporate an extra grade to identify Diamonds in the lower range of the clarity scale. Many complained that there is too wide a gap between the SI2 and the I1 grade and so an SI3 grade was added to bridge the gap.

EGL  Los Angeles (European Gemological Laboratory) started to issue the SI3 grade, and the Rapaport Diamond Report, or “The Rap Sheet” as it's known in the trade, added SI3 to its price list.

The problem with the SI3 today is that GIA, the largest and most widely accepted Gem Laboratory in the world, does not recognize SI3 grades.

Some say the SI3 is a good idea, some say it is a bad idea. If you are interested in Diamond grading and have read enough about this you can decide for yourself.

SI3 Grade & Controversy

I1,12 and I3/P1,P2,P3 (Imperfect or Pique’) Obvious inclusions that are often easily eye-visible face up; in I3 they may threaten durability.  Typical inclusions: large included crystals and feathers, fissures and cracks.