Cut | Color | Clarity | Carat Weight | Other Aspects

Clarity is the most tangible factor in the diamond-grading process. Clarity is a measurement of the relative number, size, nature, and position of inclusions within a stone. These flaws may include "feathers," separations caused by fractures, crystals, minerals, or any number of features that occur naturally when diamonds are formed.

Unfortunately, clarity has become the most abused grading aspect. Many jewelers, diamond sellers, and lesser known gem laboratories do not grade with the same rigid standards as the American Gem Society and Gemological Institute of America laboratory standards. While they may present a diamond as a specific grade using either the AGS or GIA grading system, it is important for the purchaser to verify that the represented grading of a stone be in keeping with AGS or GIA laboratory standards. Many diamond sellers consider grading a diamond with less stringent standards (resulting in a higher grade) "defensible", we consider it wrong.

The A.G.S. and G.I.A. grading scales for clarity are similar, as indicated below.

AGS	Description	GIA
0	No inclusions or blemishes of any sort when examined by a skilled grader under 10x magnification and proper lighting.	Flawless
0 with a comment	No inclusions of any sort and only minor blemishes when examined by a skilled grader under 10x magnification and proper lighting. Typical comments include: "Minor details of finish are not shown." "Surface grain line is not shown."	Internally Flawless
1	Contains minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.	VVS1
2	Contains minute inclusions that are very difficult for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification.	VVS2
3	Contains minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification.	VS1
4	Contains minor inclusions that are somewhat easy for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification.	VS2
5	Contains noticeable inclusions that are easy for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification.	SI1
6	Contains noticeable inclusions that are very easy for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification.	SI2
7	Contains inclusions that are apparent under 10x magnification and often visible to the unaided eye.	I1
8	Contains inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification, are usually easily visible to the unaided eye, and may affect the durability.	I1
9	Contains inclusions that are very obvious to the unaided eye and may affect the durability.	I2
10	Contains inclusions that are very obvious to the unaided eye and pose a definite threat to the diamond's durability.	I3

Inclusions and marks in diamonds at grades 1 and 2 are difficult to see under 10x magnification. Grades 3 and 4 present less difficulty. In grades 5 and 6 the marks are readily seen under magnification, but they may be invisible to the naked eye when the stone is face up. In grade 7, one or more inclusions are visible to the unaided eye. Grade 8 contains easily visible inclusions, and grade 9 has inclusions so obvious and large that they affect both the brilliancy and beauty of the diamond. Grade 10 includes diamonds with a shattered appearance or with disfiguring and dangerous inclusions and surface marks.

Note: The GIA grade IF (Internally Flawless) cannot by definition be an AGS grade. IF is usually the equivalent of AGS grade 1, but in certain instances it could be lower.

The most obvious line of distinction in clarity grading occurs between AGS grades 6 and 7 (GIA SI2 and I1). From Grades 7 to 10, inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and are visible to the naked eye. Grades 6 and 7 are also seem to be the areas in which discrepancies involving diamonds with less recognized "certs" occur.

An experienced gemologist can guide you with your diamond selection. On occasion we have sold stones that have come with inaccurate "certs." We re-grade them to our standards and subsequently report a more inferior grade than the "cert" implied. Often times, though, the cost of a stone is more reflective of its true characteristic than the one reported by a lab, and the customer may find the stone still to their liking.