Clarity grade is based on number of inclusions, position of inclusions, color of inclusions and the visibility of inclusions from the table side. The standard practice is to use a 10x loupe (a magnifying glass) to view the inclusions in a diamond.
Based on the inclusions identified by a gemologist, a diamond grade is assigned to one of the following categories: FL (Flawless), IF (Internally Flawless), VVS1 and VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included), VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included), SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included) and I1, I2 and I3 (Included).
In practice, clarity of a diamond is graded manually by gemologists following a set of rules related to location of an inclusion, its size and so on. There can be differences in clarity grade on the same stone. Reason being, it is very difficult to consistently see pin points, clear inclusions as well as know their size and location. Yet, the difference of a single clarity grade can affect the value of a diamond by hundreds of dollars.
Licha’s approach to Clarity Grading
At Licha Diamonds, we use ImaGem’s objective technology for grading clarity in diamonds. ImaGem’s clarity grading machine measures and maps inclusions based on their actual location in a diamond. A trained gemologist then reviews the grading to confirm the grade.
Consumers need to be aware that very small inclusions in diamonds, as is the case with Flawless to VS2 diamonds, are difficult to see with the naked eye. So if you are buying a diamond for its beauty and value, or for investment, you may want to consider a diamond with better light behavior. For example, the Clarity grades of the diamonds below are significantly different, but because the light behavior is Excellent+, they all look beautiful.