Clarity
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CLARITY
Measured by the visible presence of inclusions in a gem, clarity is one of the four “C”s used to appraise a diamond. International standards require that clarity be measured by a qualified professional using a loupe to enlarge the diamond ten times. The diamond is then graded according to a pre-determined scale based on the size, position and number of inclusions. Other precious stones are judged not by these criteria of clarity but rather by how “clean” they are. Indeed, a perfectly pure colored precious stone is a very rare thing. On the contrary, their inclusions diffuse the light and in certain cases give an attractive velvety aspect. As for the other colored stones, they are cut and sold only if they are totally or almost totally pure. There are a few rare exceptions to this rule, the work of contemporary jewelry designers who take advantage of the effects caused by the presence of multiple inclusions in gems that are habitually used only when pure (beryls, tourmalines, quartzes, etc.).
Diamond clarity grading scale: FL/IF Flawless or Internally Flawless. Loupe clean. VVS1 Very very small inclusion(s) VVS2 that is/are extremely difficult to see with a loupe. VS1 Very small inclusion(s) VS2 that is/are extremely difficult to see with a loupe. SI1 Small inclusion(s) SI2 that is/are clearly visible using a loupe but invisible to the naked eye when viewed via the crown. Alter the diamond’s brilliance. P1 Inclusion(s) that is/are clearly visible using a loupe but hard to see with the naked eye via the crown and which do not alter the diamond’s brilliance. P2 Large and/or multiple inclusion(s) that is/are clearly visible to the naked eye via the crown and which slightly alter the diamond’s brilliance. P3 Large and/or multiple inclusion(s) that is/are clearly visible to the naked eye via the crown and which significantly alter the diamond’s brilliance.
