Diamond Clarity Information:

Using The Gemological Institute Of America's Grading System To Help You Choose The Best Diamond

Diamond Purity and the Four C's  

The four factors that indicate a diamond’s purity are: clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. The diamond clarity information refers to the appearance of imperfections, such as blemishes on the diamond’s outer surface and inner flaws known as inclusions. Since diamonds are extracted from deep within the surface of the Earth, it is extremely rare to encounter a diamond with no, or even very few, blemishes. Consequently, the “purer” diamonds come with the higher price tags. 

So how does diamond clarity information affect the overall valuation of a diamond? 

Perhaps the best-known source of diamond clarity information is The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which has its own International Diamond Grading System. A rating of FL indicates a flawless diamond. Essentially perfect and nearly impossible to produce, a flawless diamond obviously would fetch top dollar.

The remaining rankings on the GIA’s grading scale range from internally flawless to very slight inclusions all the way down to imperfect, as determined by a gemologist using 10x loupe magnification. Savvy consumers will want to educate themselves and avoid the lowest ranked diamonds, if possible. Armed with this information, one can make a more informed decision about what is likely to be a significant financial investment. 

Buying Tips Based on Diamond Clarity Information 

Keeping in mind that virtually no diamond is truly perfect, you as a consumer can use the diamond clarity information that you have to find the perfect diamond for you. The internet is, of course, a good source for finding more diamond clarity information. For example, there are several websites that clearly explain the GIA’s diamond grading system and offer buying advice. 

Also, although most jewelers themselves have never encountered an absolutely flawless diamond, their knowledge and expertise can be extremely valuable in your search for the right diamond. Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable jeweler who will provide you with useful information and, more importantly, a high-quality product.

As far as diamond clarity is concerned, a knowledgeable jeweler can point out differences between stones that you may not have noticed on your own. Prior to purchase, he or she also should provide you with a GIA certificate or other report that includes the diamond’s rating, as well as give you options for having the diamond appraised and insured. 

Now that you have a better understanding of diamond clarity, you can combine that knowledge with the other three of the four Cs (cut, color, and carat weight) to find your perfect diamond.