Diamond Clarity, Color, And How To Determine A Diamond's Value

Diamond clarity and color are two factors that help in grading a diamond to establish its value. Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of external flaws, known as blemishes, and internal flaws, known as inclusions. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) issue reports based on the following grading system:

	Flawless (FL)
	Internally Flawless (IF)
	Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 or VVS2)
	Very Slightly Included (VS1 or VS2)
	Slightly Included (SI1 or SI2)
	Included (I1, I2, or I3)

How does this grading system affect the potential purchase price of a diamond? Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore the most valuable. But because all diamonds other than those in the “Included” category have flaws that are invisible to the naked eye, it is easy to find a diamond that appears perfect or nearly perfect, at a reasonably affordable price. This is assuming, of course, that the buyer has taken both diamond clarity and color into consideration when contemplating his purchase.  

I n addition to diamond clarity, color is another important factor in determining a diamond’s value. Diamonds may be completely colorless, or they may have a yellowish tint to them. The color grading scale for diamonds begins at D, where D, E, and F indicate colorless diamonds. G through J are near colorless, K through M are faint yellow, N through R are very light yellow, and S through Z are light yellow.  

Like the differences in grades of diamond clarity, color variations are rather imperceptible and only trained gemologists can really tell the difference between each grade. Nevertheless, diamond buying experts generally advise against buying a diamond with a color grade lower than H or I.  

The best way to learn more about diamond clarity and color is to go online and conduct some research. There are numerous diamond buying guides and jeweler’s websites that contain helpful information for anyone interested in researching and buying diamonds.  

When purchasing diamonds, look for those that are certified with notations such as “EGL”, “GIA”, and “AGS.” A certified diamond that has the aforementioned grading notations will ensure that you are able to buy diamonds that boast of suitable diamond clarity and color. 

In fact, before buying any diamond, it also makes sense to have a trusted jeweler take a closer look at it with a probe that uses heat pulses to determine the genuineness of the diamond. In most cases, a jeweler will be willing to conduct such a test of the diamond clarity and color for free as a way to gain a reputation as trustworthy among buyers.

Armed with this knowledge, you can then decide whether or not to get the diamond appraised further, to get even more specific information about diamond clarity and color.