There are 4 main Clarity Ratings for Diamonds on the Diamond Market:
I Clarity
SI Clarity
VS Clarity
VVS Clarity
There are also Internally Flawless and Flawless Diamonds, but they rarely hit the market and are normally collectors pieces that sell for huge amounts of money. So for this blog, we'll stick to one of the most popular Clarity Ranges.
And that Clarity Range is...
I Clarity Diamonds
Why? Because I Clarity Diamonds make up half the market.
The I Clarity Range has 3 Categories: I1, I2 and I3.
I1 is at the high end of the I Clarity Range, while I3 is the lowest Clarity you can buy on the Market today. (See pic for comparison)
One Inclusion
I1 Clarity does not mean it has 1 inclusion like some people think. I Clarity Diamonds means that it has Eye-Visible Inclusions in it.
This actually means that you can look at an I Clarity Diamond and see flaws in it. Flaws like; marks, blemishes, spots, pepper, clouds and lines. You can actually see them with the naked eye. You won't need a loupe to see them, they are that obvious. Nothing really wrong with I Clarity, just as long as you know what it is you're buying!
I Clarity Stones are pretty popular. I mean, most Diamonds have flaws in them anyway. I Clarity just has larger ones that are visible.
Like People, we have birthmarks, moles, freckles that identify us. I Clarity Diamonds are no different. Diamond Flaws can look like big cloudy areas, black spots, or some flaws even look like huge cracks or chips. If you look at a Diamond, from the top down, and see things inside of it, it's an I Clarity Diamond... no question there!
Some SI2 Diamonds have visible flaws also, but normally only visible from the side view!
The I1 range is at the upper end of the I Clarity Range. If you are buying a Diamond in the I Clarity Range, I1 Diamonds are the best to get.
Can you get really great looking I1 Clarity Diamonds? Read on...
