Diamond Clarity – Important?

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Does Diamond Clarity Cloud the Issue?

Some people are obsessed with buying flawless Diamonds, when to be honest they wouldn’t spot the differences between the grades unless jewellers labelled them accordingly. That’s because Diamonds are a naturally occurring phenomenon and just like people, each one is subtly different and also seldom perfect. It makes far more sense to buy a Diamond that is right for you, as opposed to satisfying purists. Besides, flawless Diamonds can be beyond our budgets too.

Diamond clarity, or rather the varying degree of it refers to the absence or presence of imperfections known as flaws.  These may be on the surface of the gemstone, or deep inside it where they are called inclusions. Most Diamonds sold in shops have some kind of imperfection – or else most of us could scarcely afford them. These are generally so tiny though that they are only visible under a jeweller’s microscope, and so at the end of the day they often hardly seem to matter.

 

Degrees of Diamond Clarity

• IF (internally flawless) No internal inclusions. There may be slight external blemishes.

 

• VVS1 & VVS2 (very, very slightly included) Minute inclusions that even an experienced grader would only spot with difficulty.

 

• VS1 & VS2 (very slightly included) Minute inclusions requiring high levels of skill to detect.

 

• S1 & S2 (slightly included) More significant inclusions easily noticed by experienced jewellers.

 

• I1, I2 & I3 (included) obvious flaws that affect the transparency and brilliance of a Diamond.

 

 

It’s all about Location

Just like our beauty spots and bumps the relevance of a flaw in diamond clarity depends on where it is located. A slight defect at the bottom of a Diamond where it is held in place by prongs, is clearly of far less importance than a blemish near the outer surface of the face.

 

Enquire Before You Buy

Given the scarcity of perfect Diamonds it’s hardly surprising to know that a range of specialist treatments is available in what some call diamond plastic surgery. Lasers remove inclusions that leave a minute trail behind. Diamond fracture filling may close cracks for a while, but like dentistry may not be permanent. Don’t be shy about asking questions. Jewellers are obliged to answer these. Good jewellers should provide the information before you ask.

 

So Does Diamond Clarity Really Matter?

The answer lies in how much you can afford, or are willing to pay. I’d love a Lamborghini but I can’t afford one so I drive something less elaborate. I buy my clothes off the peg because that’s my lifestyle. If I were investing my entire savings in a single brilliant Diamond of course I’d be incredibly picky. If I just want to look good though, I rather spread my money across a few smaller ones that were only very, very slightly flawed.

 

Beware the Buyer

Don’t be tempted into buying Diamonds with undisclosed flaws from dodgy operators unless you are a total expert and really understand the impact of diamond clarity. Buy with confidence from our Diamond dealers listed here instead. If anything, their prices may be keener, and you’ll be getting better value for your money as well as honest Diamonds too.