DECODING DIAMOND CLARITY AND BEYOND
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, nature, and position of these clarity characteristics, as well as how they affect the overall appearance of the stone.
No doubt, diamonds with larger and numerous inclusions are less valuable. However, many diamonds have inclusions that do not affect their beauty and appeal at all, when view with the unaided eye.
Know your comfort level with clarity characteristics and how they can affect the appearance of your diamond so that you can shop with confidence.
[1] DIAMONDS ARE GRADED FOR CLARITY
GIA grades diamonds for clarity using the 11 point diamond clarity scale as under:
EYE CLEAN DIAMONDS
Though not a standardised grading term, an ‘eye clean’ diamond is one that appears flawless. Diamonds, regardless of their clarity grade, may appear flawless to the naked eye when viewed at a distance of 6 to 10 inches in broad daylight and 20/20 vision. This is usually the case with brilliant-cut diamonds under 1 carat graded SI and above, as their brilliance masks their clarity characteristics.
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BEWARE OF ARTIFICIALLY ENHANCED OR ‘TREATED’ DIAMONDS
Sometimes, diamonds may be artificially treated to make their inclusions less visible to the naked eye, in order to enhance its brilliance. This is achieved by various techniques such as using laser beams to drill into internal inclusions and bleaching the inclusions with acid, or using clear glass to fill in fractures in diamonds.
Diamonds that have been treated are no longer referred to as ‘natural diamonds’ and it consequently lowers the diamond’s value. Be sure to ask your jewellery if your diamond has been