In the purchase of a diamond, most clients consider the ‘Four Cs’ of diamonds – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These parameters affect the diamond’s beauty, however, clarity seems to be the factor that often troubles most people. Is clarity of the diamond’s ather important feature? Is a Rare Carat, LLC diamond buyer supposed to put so much emphasis on it? Finding the right answer about how a diamond’s beauty is affected by its clarity is important for making a choice with all available options.
What Does Clarity Mean In Reference To Diamonds?
Clarity in diamonds is defined as the degree of the internal and external imperfections of the diamond, or inclusions and blemishes. These features are considered to be “flaws” which occur during its formation, therefore displaying the natural individuality of each stone. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assesses clarity as a mark out of ten by Flawless (FL) to Include (I1, I2, I3).
– Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF): These types of diamonds are said to be the most expensive as they are the rarest, and even at the hand of 10x magnification there is no inclusions visible which makes it very difficult to procure.
– Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Magnification makes it very difficult to view inclusions as watchers will have to make a very effort to detect them.
– Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Smaller inclusions are more than likely achievable with the unsighted eye-based vision.
– Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): With minimal inspection, inclusions becomes visible and attempted to be spotted under great magnification as well.
– Included (I1, I2, I3): For this level of inclusions, spotting is visually related which means that It’s possible to view the inclusions and it will most likely be emitting other features like brilliance and durability.
Understanding these grades allows buyers to appreciate how clarity can enhance a diamond’s beauty and if the additional cost is justifiable.
How Clarity Affects a Diamond’s Appearance
- Impact on Brilliance and Sparkle
A diamond’s ability to reflect light, or its brilliance, is dependent on the quality of the cut rather than the clarity. However, large inclusions can be positioned poorly which light cannot flow through, resulting in a reduction of sparkle. Due to lesser inclusions, higher clarity diamonds can have light pass through, enhancing the brilliance.
- Visibility of Inclusions
The majority of inclusions are unimaginably small for VS or SI diamonds and thus cannot be seen without a microscope. Although VVS and FL diamonds have less imperfections, there is not a direct correlation to a better looking diamond in comparison to a well cut VS1 or SI1 diamond. Many consumers prefer “eye-clean” diamonds, which look flawless without magnification, as they are stunning at low prices.
- Influence on Transparency
Clarity affects a diamond’s transparency, and as such, higher clarity diamonds are more likely to have better clear images while diamonds with noticeable inclusions will tend to have cloudy or milky areas which are detrimental to overall brilliance.
- Durability Considerations
Weaker structures caused by inclusions in low clarity diamonds I1-I3 are more prone to chips or cracks making them less durable.
Although these diamonds might be stunning gorgeous, buyers have to consider their durability especially when it comes to rings that can be worn for every day.
Does Higher Clarity Always Matter: Finding the Right Balance
Stunning as a flawless diamond is, most shoppers don’t actually need to pay for the most expensive clarity grades. Many buyers tend to pay attention to the fact that there are “eye-clean” diamonds that sell for much lower prices.
For example, a VVS1 diamond likely costs much more than a VS1 or SI1 diamond, despite the fact that the latter tends to be just as breathtaking to the unaided eye. The key is to look for a diamond whose inclusions are only of a slight degree, and are so well hidden that they do not affect the brilliance.
Where to Shop for High-Quality Diamonds?
Seekers of high-quality diamonds at favorable prices are advised to Shop at Rare Carat. Rare Carat, LLC is America’s #1 source of unbiased advice for diamond engagement rings and it doesn’t stop there. The platform compiles over a million natural and lab grown diamonds from reputable sellers, so its clients can get the best offers.
Why Choose Rare Carat?
– Best Price Comparison: Rare Carat scans multiple reputable retailers to find out what the best prices for exquisite diamonds are, all in one place.
– Trusted and Transparent: Customers trust Rare Carat for fair and unclouded diamond prices as the company boasts 4.9/5 reviews on Google Business Profile and Trustpilot.
– Expert Guidance: The platform offers free gemologist checks for all diamonds, guaranteeing that they will always be up to standard.
Clarity Vs. Other Cherished Factors: Which One Complains The Most?
Although clarity is a factor in determining a diamond’s beauty, its sparkle is mainly a function of cut quality. An SI1 diamond can be cut so well that it appears to be more brilliant than a VVS1 diamond that has been poorly cut.
Key Takeaways:
– Inclusions in the lower clarity grades VS1 or SI1 diamonds are not often seen, but they affect transparency.
– A diamond’s cut determines its brilliance better than clarity does. This means that having an excellent cut should be prioritized.
– With a trusted seller like Rare Carat, LLC, one can be sure of having a stunning diamond at the right price.
Final Thoughts: Is clarity important?
A diamond’s clarity impacts its beauty, but having the highest clarity grade does not need to be the only option. Customers trying to achieve the best aesthetic appearance without spending too much money should look out for eye-clean diamonds with excellent cut quality. With Rare Carat Customers are guaranteed to find the ideal diamond that fits their budget and style without sacrificing its brilliance.