FL Loupe Clean
(flawless)
|
 IF
Loupe Clean
(internally flawless-minor surface blemishes)
|
 VVS1-VVS2
(very, very small inclusions)
|
VS1-VS2
(very small inclusions)
|
Sl1-Sl2
(small inclusions)
|
l1-l2-l3
(inclusions visible to the naked eye) |
|
Every diamond is unique. Nature
ensures that each diamond is as
individual as the person who wears it.
Naturally-occurring features - known as
inclusions - provide a special
fingerprint within the stone.
Inclusions, which are sometimes referred
to as "nature's fingerprints", are
natural identifying characteristics such
as minerals or fractures, appearing
while diamonds are formed in the earth.
They may look like tiny crystals, clouds
or feathers and are usually not visible
to the naked eye unless magnified.
When light enters a diamond, it is
reflected and refracted out. If
there is anything disrupting the flow of
light in the diamond, such as an
inclusion, a proportion of light will be
lost. As a result, brilliance
could be diminished. The number of
inclusions can determine the degree of
brilliance lost.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of
perfection, known as clarity, which was
established by the Gemological Institute
of America (GIA). The clarity
scale, ranging from FL (Flawless) to
Included (I), is based on the visibility
of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
To view inclusions, jewelers use a
magnifying loupe. This tool allows
jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its
actual size so that inclusions are
easier to see. Even with a loupe,
inclusions in the VVS(Very Very Slightly
Included) to VS(Very Slightly Included)
range can be very difficult to find.
In fact, VVS inclusions are so tiny,
most jewelers need a microscope to see
them.
The position of inclusions can affect
the value of a diamond. You may
not notice a significant difference
between a VS1 and a VS2. However,
you should consider the number, size,
brightness, nature and position of the
inclusions. There are very few
flawless diamonds found in nature, thus
these diamonds are much more valuable.
What's the difference between VVS1
and VVS2, or SI1 or SI2? The
numbers represents levels within each
grade. The 1's will be cleaner
(have fewer or smaller inclusions) then
the 2's. This allows for more
specific grading categories.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a
mounting, thus having less effect on the
beauty of a diamond. An inclusion
in the middle or top of a diamond could
impact the dispersion of light,
sometimes making the diamond less
brilliant.
 
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