CLARITY
For
an explanation of the terms used in determining clarity, please
see the section below the Table entitled, "HOW
DIAMOND CLARITY IS DETERMINED?"
| E.G.I. |
G.I.A. |
I.D.C (HRD-CCIP)
|
OLD SOUTH
AFRICAN |
| FLAWLESS |
FLAWLESS |
LOUPE CLEAN |
PURE |
| INTERNALLY FLAWLESS |
INTERNALLY FLAWLESS |
| VVS 1 |
VVS 1 |
VVS 1 |
VERY, VERY SMALL
INCLUSION 1 |
| VVS 2 |
VVS 2 |
VVS 2 |
VERY, VERY SMALL
INCLUSION 2 |
| VS 1 |
VS 1 |
VS 1 |
VERY SMALL INCLUSION 1 |
| VS 2 |
VS 2 |
VS 2 |
VERY SMALL INCLUSION 2 |
| SI 1 |
SI 1 |
SI |
SMALL INCLUSION 1 |
| SI 2 |
SI 2 |
SI |
SMALL INCLUSION 2 |
| P 1 |
IMPERFECT 1 |
P 1 |
IMPERFECT 1 |
| P 2 |
IMPERFECT 2 |
P 2 |
IMPERFECT 2 |
| P 3 |
IMPERFECT 3 |
P 3 |
IMPERFECT 3 |
| REJECTION |
REJECTION |
REJECTION |
REJECTION |
HOW DIAMOND CLARITY
IS DETERMINED?
THE FL GRADE (FLAWLESS)
The term FL or flawless is used for diamonds in
which a qualified observer, under the most favorable lighting
conditions, cannot see internal characteristics (inclusions or
other inhomogenities) and/or finish faults (insignificant
cutting-faults or minor surface blemishes) by thorough
examination with a microscope or a 10X magnifying lens, corrected
for chromatic and spherical aberration (i.e., which reproduces
colors correctly and does not distort). However, minor
"naturals", minor girdle roughness and few small extra
facets are permitted, provided they are not visible when the
stone is viewed from above and do not flatten the girdle.
THE I.F. GRADE (INTERNALLY FLAWLESS)
A diamond which has no internal characteristics
but which, due to minor finish faults, cannot be designated FL
may be called I.F. or Internally Flawless provided the finish
faults are so minute that they can be removed by a gentle
polishing with only an insignificant loss of weight. Further,
growth lines are permitted provided they do not give any color
effect when the stone is viewed from above.
THE V.V.S. GRADES (VERY, VERY SMALL
INCLUSIONS)
The V.V.S. is used for diamonds with internal
characteristics very, very difficult for a qualified observer to
find under observation conditions as described.
THE V.S. GRADES (VERY SMALL INCLUSIONS)
The term V.S. is used for diamonds in which it
is difficult for a qualified observer, under observation
conditions as described, to find either a few somewhat larger
internal internal characteristics or several very small ones.
THE S.I. GRADES (SMALL INCLUSIONS)
The S.I. is used for diamonds in which a
qualified observer may, without difficulty, under observation
conditions as described, but, still only by a 10X magnification,
find internal characteristics.
THE P. GRADES (PIQUE)
The term P. or Pique is used for diamonds in
which a qualified observer with the naked eye can see internal
characteristics and/or in which major finish faults occur.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
The explanation of grading diamonds provided
here is only a guide. There are a number of factors that go into
determining the value of a diamond that only a diamond expert can
determine. Individual stone values depend on the specifics of
each stone. Off-center culets, nonsymmetrical facet junctions,
extremely wavy girdles and large naturals are some of the
additional factors that should be considered along with color,
cut and clarity. Always have a diamond expert examine and certify
your valuable diamonds. Investment diamonds should be examined
and certified by different labs.
See Also:
Diamond Guide
Diamond Jewelry in SpecialGifts.com
Jewelry
Gifts from Specialgifts.com
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