What is clarity? Clarity describes the natural birthmarks that formed within the diamond as nature transformed it from a lump of coal (carbon) into a magnificent crystal. Think of a diamond’s clarity like a fingerprint. Every diamond is unique and can be identified by its natural markings even though it may require a microscope. These varied markings inside a diamond can look like black specks or lines, white specks or lines, bubbles, cracks, or clouds. At Perrywinkle’s we will display your selection under a microscope so that you are confident in identifying the markings that were invisible to your un-aided eye then we’ll teach you about other characteristics that play a more important role in a diamond’s beauty.
Grading Gemologists observe the size, location, quantity, type and prominence of these inclusions in accordance with the GIA’s precise set of rules and standards in determining a clarity grade. In addition to internal inclusions, inclusions on the surface, called blemishes, are graded. Clarity grades do not determine the diamond’s beauty; their purpose is to assign the diamond’s grouping according to its rarity. You will be surprised at how Perrywinkle’s diamonds appear “clearer” than ones do elsewhere with the same grade, especially if sold online. We will show you hand-selected diamonds placed side-by-side next to the highest clarity available. In most cases, you will not see any difference even when examined at very close range without magnification.
FL/IF FL = Flawless. No internal inclusions or external blemishes are visible under 10x magnification to a trained gemologist. Extremely rare. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal. IF = Internally Flawless. No internal inclusions are visible under 10x magnification to a trained gemologist. Extremely rare. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal. Perrywinkle’s does not recommend these grades if cost is a factor since there is a negligible distinction between this grade all the way down to VS1 by an untrained viewer using a microscope.
VVS1/VVS2 VVS 1 = Very Very Slightly Included “Grade” 1. Usually just one extremely tiny pinpoint inclusion is visible under 10x magnification to a trained gemologist. Extremely rare. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal.A diamond of this grade will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal. VVS 2 = Very Very Slightly Included “Grade” 2. Very tiny pinpoint inclusions are visible under 10x magnification to a trained gemologist. Very rare. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal. Perrywinkle’s does not recommend these grades if cost is a factor since there are a negligible distinction between these grades all the way down to VS1 by an untrained viewer using a microscope.
VS1/VS2 VS 1 = Very Slightly Included “Grade” 1. Very small inclusions visible under 10x magnification to a trained gemologist. Inclusions take some time for an untrained viewer to identify (with the help of an expert) using a microscope such that they are surprised to learn that there are four steps higher in clarity grade. Rare. VS 2 = Very Slightly Included “Grade” 2. Very small inclusions are visible under 10x magnification to an untrained viewer. Inclusions can take some time for an untrained viewer to identify (with the help of an expert) using a microscope such that they are surprised to learn that there are five steps higher in clarity grade. Rare.
SI1/SI2 SI 1 = Slightly Included “Grade” 1. Small inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification and may be visible without magnification. Still a fine clarity diamond. A casual observer cannot see an imperfection when the diamond is placed in an engagement ring. SI 2 =Slightly Included “Grade” 2. Several small inclusions are visible without magnification to an untrained viewer and usually visible without magnification when viewed from less than ten inches. A very nice clarity diamond provided the inclusion is not in the form of a “cloud” which can diminish the appearance of fire. A casual observer would have a hard time seeing an imperfection when the diamond is placed in an engagement ring.
SI3 SI 3 = Slightly Included “Grade” 3. Several small inclusions are somewhat visible under 10x magnification to an untrained viewer and usually visible without magnification when viewed from less than twelve inches. Still a reasonable clarity diamond provided the inclusion is not in the form of a “cloud” which can diminish the appearance of fire. A casual observer would have a relatively hard time seeing an imperfection when the diamond is placed in an engagement ring. Perrywinkle’s rejects almost all of the SI3s that it views such that the very few that are stocked are in the highest range of the grade and are an excellent value.
I1/I2/I3 I 1=Included “Grade” 1. Flaws that are visible without magnification. A reasonable clarity diamond and excellent value when Perrywinkle’s has them in stock. and will appear so much clearer than an average I1 since the range from the highest to lowest I1 is very wide. I 2 = Included “Grade” 2. Many flaws easily visible to the point that there is decrease in brilliance. Not recommended or available at Perrywinkle’s. Seen at chain and department stores. I 3 = Included “Grade” 3. Many flaws easily visible to the point that there is decrease in brilliance and a compromise to the structural integrity of the diamond. Not recommended or available at Perrywinkle’s. Seen at chain and department stores.
