Diamond Clarity Chart Explained
The GIA system as presented on the picture below is the most widely used in the U.S. So, I will use it to explain the diamond clarity chart and its effect on the diamond value.
On the GIA scale, F or FL is the diamond grade that is assigned to the stone provided that it has no visible flaws, external or internal, when observed under 10-power magnification. Only a highly qualified jeweler, lab technician, or gemologist would be able to determine this grade. If you decide to use a loupe to examine the diamond yourself, just remember that it is almost impossible for an experienced person to notice any flaws or blemished that would be easily spotted by the experienced gemologist, dealer, or jeweler. If you are new to this, you may not be able to see any flaws at all even in SI grades. Therefore, a correctly proportioned, colorless, flawless stone, particularly in a 1-carat size or lager, is very rare and would be priced much higher than any other grade. Many jewelers would even tell you that there is no such thing available to-day.
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IF is the diamond grade on the diamond clarity chart assigned to a stone that has no internal flaws and the one that has only minor external blemishes that could be easily get rid of with polishing. We are talking about such flaws as girdle roughness, small pits (but not on the table) or nicks. These diamonds, in well-proportioned makes, are very rare and would cost you accordingly, normally much higher than other grades.
VVS1 and VVS2 are diamond grades given to stones that have very rare internal flaws, that are difficult to spot even for a qualified observer. These grades would also be very difficult to get, and, of course, you could only buy them at a premium.
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VS1 and VS2 are diamond grades given to stones with very tiny inclusions, that are difficult for a qualified jeweler to notice. However, these diamonds are more readily available in nice cut and color, and you can’t see their flaws unless you are using a jeweler loupe. These would be excellent diamonds to buy.
SI1 and SI2 diamond clarity chart grades are assigned to diamonds with flaws that an experienced jeweler would see quite easily under the 10-power magnification. They would be less pricey, as they are not quite as rare as higher grades. Sometimes, flaws in these grades may be seen without magnification, particularly when you examine them laterally or from the back side. These grades are very sought-after, and because one can’t typically observe the flaws with the naked eye when the diamonds are mounted, it would make sense for you to choose a diamond with higher color, or, may be in a larger size, provided that you are on a limited budget.
The so called imperfect grades are assigned to diamonds in which blemishes or flaws could be spotted by an experienced jeweler without using a jeweler loupe. Such stones are much less expensive and are readily available. Their grades are I1, I2, and I3. In some classification systems these grades are referred to as 1st piqué, 2nd piqué and 3rd piqué. You still can consider I1, I2, and I3 grades, particularly if they look lively and brilliant, and provided they have no inclusions that would make them susceptible to breaking. A prospective buyer should not be eliminating them automatically if he or she desires to acquire pretty diamond jewelry. But as a rule of thumb, you should remember that such imperfect grades would be hard to resell should you desire so.
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Diamond clarity chart – a word of caution about low clarity grade: some stones graded I3 are actually industrial quality and are not designed for jewelry use. Certain cutters would cut diamonds that are lower than what is generally considered acceptable for jewelry. Because there is no grade lower than I3 these stones would be lumped in with diamonds of better I3 quality. Make sure you shop around to compare I3 stones to make yourself acquainted with what is acceptable for jewelry use.
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