Diamond clarity refers to the clearness within and around the diamond. Diamonds have imperfections both internally and externally and these are called inclusions. There are many different types of inclusions some of which are: cystals, feathers, pin points, twinning wisps, clouds and indented naturals. The presence of these tiny imperfections has been clasified by the GIA into the following categories: Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Small 1-2 (VVS1, VVS2), Very Small 1-2 (VS1, VS2), Small Inclusion 1-2 (Si1, Si2) and the lower quality, Inclusion 1-2-3 (I1, I2, I3). The best clarity is IF as there are no inclusions visible under 10 x magnification from the top down. The lowest grade is I3 where the inclusions are visibale and often breach the surface. Polished Diamonds Intl do not sell I1-I2-I3 clarity diamonds unless by request as we feel they are not jewel quality as the marks are obvious and often the diamonds are dull. Lets look at each clarity level in greatr detail:
IF - clarity is internally flawless and the best clarity level you can buy. These diamonds are priced accordingly as they are very rare and sort after. The IF diamond is loupe clean at 10 x magnification and is eye clean.
VVS1 - VVS2 clarity is Very Very Small (VVS) and often there will be only 1 inclusion so small it is impossible to see it with the naked eye and very difficult to dedect even at 10 x magnification. The VVS calrity grade is priced accordingly as it too is rare. We often urge clients to consider buying an IF (Internally Flawless) diamond as VVS is so close in both clarity and price levels that often it is worth paying the small amount more to have the satisfaction of having the best. VVS1 and VVS2 is a high grade diamond and is eye clean.
VS1 - VS2 clarity diamonds have Very Small (VS) inclusions and we recommend this level if you want a higher clarity level than most the High Street stores and yet maintain your budget. The VS clarity range is 100% eye clean and difficult to dedect even under 10 x magnification. VS clarity is a high quality benchmark in diamonds and a statement of quality.
Si1 - Si2 clarity diamonds have Small Inclusions (Si) which are eye clean yet easily detected under 10 x magnification. These diamonds are excellent value and enable price to drop or carat/colour/cut to increase. We recommend an Si1 over an Si2 to ensure the inclusion is small enough to remain invisibale to the eye. An Si2 clarity can be considered but the visibility level ends at Si2 and some people with excellent eye sight, correct lighting and train your eye on a certain point may dedect the imperfection of an Si2 - we therefore recommend Si1.
Polished Diamonds Intl sell only IF - Si2 quality as we feel the I1-I2-I3 range is not good enough for our clients. The clarity of I1-I2-I3 are typically not eye clean and this becomes problematic when one can see imperfections on the diamond. These imperfections can be surface breaching and internal fractures which not only look bad but can also compromise the strength of the diamond - which is why we do not offer them. Many retail Chain Jewellery stores offer these goods as they are cheap but not cheerful. Below is a simple chart to help show the clarity levels and the inclusions. It is important to remember that IF-VVS1-VVS2-VS1-VS2-Si1 and most Si2 diamonds are eye clean andyou will not see the imperfection or inclusion. On this basis we recommend Si1 as a nice economical clarity, VS as high quality option and then jump to IF for the ability to say your diamond is Flawless! Do call or click liv chat to discuss - we like to help.
