The Four C's
Clarity
Almost all diamonds have natural inclusions, which make each diamond unique and identifiable, like a fingerprint. These clarity characteristics may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Inclusions although often impossible to see without magnification, do affect the value of a diamond. To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.
Almost all diamonds have natural inclusions, which make each diamond unique and identifiable, like a fingerprint. These clarity characteristics may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Inclusions although often impossible to see without magnification, do affect the value of a diamond. To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.