Diamond Guide

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Clarity characteristics

Clarity grading involves analyzing the size and location of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions originate during the natural formation of the diamond, while blemishes could be a natural occurrence or the result of mining or manufacturing processes. Inclusions: Internal characteristics such as: included clouds, crystals, or feathers.

BLEMISHES:		Characteristics that exist only on the surface of a diamond.
CLOUDS:		A group of extremely tiny inclusions too small to be distinguishable from one another, even under magnification.
CRYSTALS:		Tiny trace minerals trapped inside the diamond.
FEATHERS:		Small breaks in the diamond.

Diamonds are clarity graded using microscopes set at 10-power magnification. Although many characteristics are not visible to the unaided eye, their presence might affect the stone's clarity grade. By evaluating the size, location, number and color of all inclusions and blemishes, a clarity grade is assigned to a diamond.

These grades are universally accepted as standards in the trade and were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). American Diamond offers diamonds in grades ranging from IF (internally flawless with no visible inclusions) to SI1 (slightly included, noticeable using 10X magnification). None of our diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye.

FL	IF	VVS1, VVS2	VSI, VS2	SI1, SI2	I1, I2, I3
Flawless	Internally Flawless	Very, Very Slightly Included	Very Slightly Included	Slightly Included	Included

No visible blemishes or inclusions are detected by a trained gemologist using 10X magnification.	No visible inclusions are detected by a trained gemologist using 10X magnification, but may contain very minor blemishes.	Minute inclusions are faintly discernable by a trained gemologist using 10X magnification.	Minor inclusions such as clouds or feathers are visible to a trained gemologist using 10X magnification.	Inclusions such as crystals, knots, clouds, or feathers are noticeable using 10X magnification.	Inclusions are obvious, sometimes visible to the unaided eyes and might affect the beauty or durability of the stone.

fingerprint

Clarity refers to the presence of identifying characteristics on your diamond or inside it. Most of these characteristics have been present in your diamond since the earliest stages of its growth rather than being the result of any stresses of the cutting process. They are proof of your diamond's identity.

Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing your diamond's unique clarity characteristics with the plot provided on your diamond's certificate lets you know the diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive.