Clarity

Pure diamonds are extremely rare. Almost all rough diamonds contain impurities or “Inclusions” which are traces on non-diamond material that were “trapped” in the mineral during the stone’s formation. Many inclusions are removed during the cleaving, sawing, cutting and polishing of the diamond.

The fewer inclusions or structure phenomena the stone displays, the higher the quality of the diamond.

A diamond is “loupe clean” or “internally flawless” (LC/IF), if after examination by an expert grader with a 10 x magnification loupe under normal light conditions, is absent of internal characteristics.

FL- Flawless
Clear stone, free of all flaws, even under 10x magnification. This is the best and most expensive clarity grade.

IF – Internally Flawless
There are no internal inclusions visible under a10x magnification. There is a minor external imperfection in the finish.

VVS-1 – Very Very Slight Inclusion 1
Tiny inclusions are extremely difficult to find, even under 10x magnification
Usually just one tiny inclusion.

VVS-2 – Very Very Slight Inclusion 2
Tiny inclusions, only visible under a x10 magnifying glass to the trained eye.

VS-1 – Very Slight Inclusion 1
Very tiny inclusions, visible only with 10x magnification.

VS-2 – Very Slight Inclusion 2.
Minor inclusions are somewhat difficult to find.

SI-1 – Slight Inclusions 1.
Small inclusions, visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are considered “eye clean” since inclusions can not been seen with the naked eye.

SI-2 – Slight Inclusions 2.
Inclusions and/or blemishes are easy to see at 10x magnification. These diamonds are considered “eye clean” since inclusions can not been seen with the naked eye.

SI-3 – Slight Inclusions 3.
Inclusions that may be visible to a trained observer’s naked eye.

P-1 – Included 1 – We do not offer these diamonds
Inclusions and/or blemishes that are visible to the naked eye.

P-2 – Included 2 – We do not offer these diamonds
Inclusions and/or blemishes that are clearly visible to the naked eye and that have an effect on the brilliance.

P-3- Included 3 – We do not offer these diamonds
Inclusions and/or blemishes , clearly visible to the naked eye. The brilliance is decreased and the structure of the diamond is compromised.