Bright and sparkling diamonds may appear all the same, but each one is different. In the process of crystallizing diamonds out of carbon, there are miniscule birthmarks-specks, bubbles and 'feathers' left in most of them. These natural characteristics are called 'inclusions'. Because of inclusions, each diamond has its own individuality.
Fewer the inclusions in a diamond, the more valuable it is, and costlier too. A flawless diamond is the one that has no visible inclusions when viewed under 10x power magnification by a trained skilled eye.
It is inclusions- their number, size and position under 10x power magnification, which determine the clarity of a diamond.
Frequently, inclusions can be removed in the cutting process and it is the task of the diamond cutter to remove as many as he can while maintaining as much of the original carat weight as possible, since both weight and clarity are critical to the diamonds' value.
The number of inclusions, their size and location all affect the diamond's clarity grade.
Clarity Scale:
FL-IF
No inclusions visible
Loupe Clean
A diamond is called 'loupe-clean' if under these conditions it has been found absolutely transparent and free from inclusions.
VVS (VVS1,VVS2)
Very Very Small Inclusions, very hard to find with 10x loupe.
VS (VS1, VS2)
Very small inclusions, which can hardly be found with 10x loupe.
SI (SI1,SI2)
Small inclusions, easy to find with a 10x loupe, not seen with the naked eye.
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