{"id":4500,"date":"2019-12-03T08:00:55","date_gmt":"2019-12-03T13:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=4500"},"modified":"2019-12-03T10:38:09","modified_gmt":"2019-12-03T15:38:09","slug":"view-real-flaws-under-10x-magnification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/view-real-flaws-under-10x-magnification\/","title":{"rendered":"VIEW REAL FLAWS UNDER 10X MAGNIFICATION"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"View<\/div>\n

A picture is worth a thousand bucks.<\/p>\n

\nI could talk about inclusions and flaws in a diamond all day. I could explain clarity and how it affects the beauty of a diamond. But until you dive in and grab a microscope<\/a>, you’ll never really understand it.<\/p>\n

\nThe light bulb won’t light up<\/strong> until you see it<\/strong> with your own eyes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nSo that’s what I’ve done today. I’m showing you inclusions and flaws and imperfections in diamonds, magnified like you’ve never seen them before.<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll actually see what a diamond looks like under a jeweler’s microscope<\/strong>, and then you’ll also be able to see what the clarity looks like on a diamond plot (I’m using GIA<\/strong> for all of these examples).<\/p>\n

\nI’m going to show you diamonds in most of the clarities available on the web. I’m going to explain them so you can really grasp what inclusions are, what to watch out for, and what the best clarity to buy is.<\/p>\n

\nReal diamonds, real inclusions, real clarity…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Credit, where credit is due.<\/h2>\n

\nBefore we begin, let me say that the detailed images of diamonds and flaws shown in this post are obtained through James Allen<\/a> who has been kind enough to allow me to use their high-res photos<\/strong> for teaching and training purposes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nJames Allen has one of the largest online<\/strong> selections of loose certified diamonds you can find, and they are the only jeweler to show you the actual real diamond, magnified 20x<\/strong> (beyond what any diamonds are graded with), photographed so you can see all the flaws and inclusions from all sides, and at the best prices you’ll ever see.<\/p>\n

It really is amazing!<\/h2>\n

\nTheir virtual loupe (super zoom<\/strong>) is cool to use… Take a peek…<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"James<\/a><\/p>\n

\nSo now, let’s jump in and take a look at some of these flaws…<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nI have left out flawless (FL) diamonds, as well as I2 and I3 (included diamonds level 2 and 3) from the list because they are the very top of the line (extremely expensive and very rare) and the bottom of the bucket (lowest 2 clarity grades on the market). Most of what you’ll find available are the clarity grades in between. So let’s look at them…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Internally flawless clarity:<\/h2>\n

\nInternally flawless diamonds are probably the best clarity of diamond<\/strong> that you’ll normally find in any local jewelry store. And even then, only expect to see one, maybe two of them (James Allen has 2580 flawless round diamonds in stock<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\nThe only difference between flawless and internally flawless diamonds are that internally flawless diamonds have zero flaws inside<\/strong> the stone, but the outside of the stone may contain some small blemishes like polish marks, slight abrasions, nicks, naturals or trigons.<\/p>\n

\nThese small small small flaws are almost impossible to see or detect even under a 10x microscope<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nIt takes practice and training<\/strong> to pinpoint these minor defects.<\/p>\n

\nHere is what an inclusion in an internally flawless diamond looks like.<\/p>\n

\"IF<\/a><\/p>\n

\nAnd here, is what a GIA diamond report<\/strong> for that internally flawless (IF) diamond shown. <\/p>\n

\"IF<\/a><\/p>\n

\nSee any inclusions?<\/strong> Neither do I.<\/p>\n

\nThis diamond is very impressive<\/strong>!!! There really is nothing to see but sheer beauty and sparkle.<\/p>\n

\nHere are similar diamond qualities and price… (good at the time of this post)<\/p>\n

Internally flawless price:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.00, IF, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$9,960<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

VVS1 clarity:<\/h2>\n

\nVVS1 is a stunning clarity to have. You’ll only find a couple of very tiny flaws in a stone of this quality. A very faint feather, a tiny pinpoint, a crystal…<\/p>\n

\nThey are breathtaking stones and lovely diamonds to own.<\/p>\n

\nTake a look at the diamond below…<\/p>\n

\"VVS1<\/a><\/p>\n

\nNow let’s see what a VVS1 GIA diamond certificate<\/strong> looks like…<\/p>\n

\"VVS1<\/a><\/p>\n

\nSee those tiny marks on the Certificate Plot?<\/strong> They are just about impossible to locate in the real stone.<\/p>\n

\nHere are the prices of a VVS1 diamonds…<\/p>\n

VVS1 clarity prices:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.00, VVS1, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$5,950<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

VVS2 clarity:<\/h2>\n

\nVVS2 is pretty much the same as VVS1 except it may have a few more inclusions and they may be slightly larger. But trust me, these are both exceptional stones<\/strong> and to most, they’ll look perfect, because to most, under a scope, they still won’t see any flaws in the stone.<\/p>\n

\nTake a look at a VVS2 clarity diamond<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\"VVS2<\/a><\/p>\n

\nNow let’s see the actual GIA diamond certificate<\/strong> for that VVS2 stone…<\/p>\n

\"VVS2<\/a><\/p>\n

\nHere’s the prices <\/strong> for VVS2 diamonds…<\/p>\n

VVS2 Clarity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.00, VVS2, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$5,920<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

VVS is very clean, very beautiful – the cream of the crop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

VS1 clarity:<\/h2>\n

\nVS1 clarity is one of the best clarity of diamonds to buy<\/strong>; here’s why: The diamond is very clean, there are only a couple of tiny distinguished flaws in the stone, but they are easier to identify then any of the higher clarities (VVS, IF, FL).<\/p>\n

\nI like to be able to spot a few flaws under the microscope. I can scope my stone at any time and know it’s mine. If you try to scope a flawless diamond, you won’t see anything in the stone, so you’ll have no reference point.<\/p>\n

\nWith VS, I can look at the stone under magnification and say “Yes, that’s my stone!<\/strong>“<\/p>\n

\nTake a look at a real VS1 clarity diamond in the image below…<\/p>\n

\"VS1<\/a><\/p>\n

\nNow let’s look at the diamond certificate and the diamond plot…<\/p>\n

\"VS1<\/a><\/p>\n

\nThat’s awesome clarity!<\/strong> These stones have just a few identifying marks that make them easy to memorize<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nI highly advise buying VS clarity diamonds. You’ll love the clarity, love the look, and love the diamond. :)<\/p>\n

\nTake a look at the prices of VS1 diamonds<\/strong> below…<\/p>\n

VS1 clarity prices:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.00, VS1, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$5,780<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

VS2 clarity:<\/h2>\n

\nVS2 clarity is just as good as VS1. The flaws are slightly bigger<\/strong>, maybe a little more frequent, and maybe closer to the center of the stone. But really, they are just as beautiful to look at.<\/p>\n

\nOne of the best things about buying a VS2 diamond over a VS1 diamond is the price<\/strong>. Why not save a few bucks if you can’t see the difference unless you microscope them<\/strong>. And even then, it’s pretty darn close.<\/p>\n

\nTake a look at what a VS2 diamond<\/strong> looks like…<\/p>\n

\"VS2<\/a><\/p>\n

\nNow let’s take a look at a VS2 diamond plot…<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"VS2<\/a><\/p>\n

\nSimply beautiful!<\/strong> You’ll notice a few flaws, nothing big. A couple of lines, crystals and very small Inclusions are normal for a VS2. They help you identify the stone.<\/p>\n

\nI can’t tell you enough how much I love VS diamonds<\/strong>. It’s what I would buy if I were purchasing a diamond and especially a diamond engagement ring.<\/p>\n

\nHere are the prices of a VS2 clarity diamonds…<\/p>\n

VS2 clarity prices:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.00, VS2, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$5,500<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

SI1 clarity:<\/h2>\n

\nSI1 clarity means slightly included<\/strong>. SI1 is the most popular clarity grade on the market for 2 main reasons:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The flaws are microscopic<\/li>\n
  2. The price is right<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nAny diamond with a clarity of SI1 (read SI1, not SI2<\/strong>; or in some cases SI3) will have inclusions that are not visible to the bare eye<\/strong> (unaided). They will be virtually invisible unless you use a microscope<\/a> or a 10x jeweler’s loupe<\/a>. <\/p>\n

    \nWhat this means is that you could put an SI1 diamond up against any clarity higher (even a flawless diamond<\/strong>) and the clarities would look identical<\/strong>. You would not see a difference. Ever!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nAll the flaws and differences are only visible when you magnify<\/strong> them.<\/p>\n

    \nThat’s why SI1 diamonds are such a great buy<\/strong>. The flaws and inclusions are bigger, and more abundant, absolutely. That’s to be expected. And to an untrained eye under a scope they do get pretty noticeable<\/strong> (as in the image below), but they still face up quite well and are still considered eye clean. <\/p>\n

    \nTake a look at a real SI1 diamond<\/strong> image…<\/p>\n

    \"SI1<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nThis is where you’ll finally start to notice inclusions and see what they really are<\/strong>. SI1 has easy to spot flaws under the scope.<\/p>\n

    \nNow take a look at a GIA certified diamond report<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

    \"SI1<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee how easy the flaws start to stand out?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

    \nLike I said, when the diamond is in a ring on your finger, you’ll never see those flaws<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \nNow for the great part… The price…<\/strong><\/p>\n

    SI1 clarity prices:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    1.00, SI1, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$4,690<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Sticking in the SI clarity grades<\/strong>, we now move onto SI2…<\/p>\n

    SI2 clarity:<\/h2>\n

    \nSI2 clarity is still a fine diamond, but iffy if you’re buying an engagement ring<\/strong>. Here’s why…<\/p>\n

    \nSI2 splits all the different clarities into 2 groups: Visible inclusions and invisible inclusions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Anything SI1 or higher, all of the inclusions will be invisible <\/strong>to the eye. Any clarity I1 or lower they will be visible <\/strong>just by looking at the stone. SI2 is the borderline clarity<\/strong> that will have both types of inclusions, visible and invisible.<\/p>\n

    \nThe true definition of an SI2 diamond is this: <\/strong>From the top view (looking directly down into the table, or window), you won’t (or shouldn’t<\/strong>) see any flaws or inclusions with the eye.<\/p>\n

    \nBut, from the side view<\/strong> (turning the diamond so you can view it from the side), you will be able to spot them<\/strong>. You may see black spots, lines, clouds, crystals, chips, fractures… from the side view only<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

    \nThat’s the true definition, but I’ll guarantee you that if you shop and compare SI2 diamonds all over town, you’re bound to find some SI2 diamonds that do have eye visible inclusions from the top view. This is why if you buy SI2, it’s vital that you buy only GIA certified SI2 diamonds<\/strong>. Just to make sure that they are true SI2’s and not a lower clarity rounded up (grade bumped).<\/p>\n

    \nSI2 is questionable<\/strong>, and you do really need to scrutinize every single diamond before you buy it.<\/p>\n

    \nI say buy only GIA because they are the top diamond graders in the world. They are very strict, and very accurate.<\/p>\n

    \nTake a look at what a real SI2 diamond<\/strong> looks like… <\/p>\n

    \"SI2<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee how the inclusions get bigger in the center of the stone?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nNow see what an SI2 diamond plot<\/strong> looks like on a GIA certificate…<\/p>\n

    \"SI2<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nAs you can see, the flaws get much bigger, darker, lean towards the center, and are more abundant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \nThe great thing about SI2 clarity is the bargain<\/strong>… You’ll save a ton of money.<\/p>\n

    \nCheck out the SI2 diamond prices<\/strong> below…<\/p>\n

    SI2 clarity prices:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    1.00, SI2, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$3,280<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    \nIt’s not difficult to see that some of these flaws might be visible just by looking at the stone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \nBut, if you want to see real flaws… Check out I clarity diamonds<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

    I1 clarity diamonds:<\/h2>\n

    \nI clarity is like a box of cracker jacks<\/strong>, you’ll never know what surprises you’ll get.<\/p>\n

    \nFlaws in an I1 clarity diamond are pretty visible<\/strong>, pretty big and may even make you gasp<\/strong>. Flaws this big can also make a diamond vulnerable to chipping or breaking. The more flaws a diamond has the weaker that diamond becomes.<\/p>\n

    \nCheck out what this I1 clarity diamond<\/strong> looks like…<\/p>\n

    \"I1<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nIt’s an eye opener isn’t it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nAnd it’s a real eye opener to know that a good portion of these flaws are noticeable just by glancing at the stone <\/strong>– no microscope needed.<\/p>\n

    \nSo your fiancee will look at her diamond and chances are good there’ll be a huge black spot<\/strong> staring back at her. Not a pretty sight.<\/p>\n

    \nMost women don not want to see this.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nCheck out a real I1 clarity diamond plot<\/strong> below: <\/p>\n

    \"I1<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nNow not all of the inclusions in an I1 clarity diamond are black inclusions (looks like pepper<\/strong>) that stand out like a sore thumb. Some are white flaws that blend in with the diamond better and aren’t so obvious. Some flaws are cracks, chips, cloudy areas, pits… But if you look good enough, you’ll see them.<\/p>\n

    \nThe best trait about I1 clarity diamonds is the price<\/strong>. You will save greatly!!! But you also get what you pay for<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

    Check out the prices of I1 clarity diamonds below…<\/p>\n

    I1 clarity prices:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED<\/strong><\/td>\nPRICE<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    1.00, I1, H+, IDEAL, GIA<\/strong><\/td>\n$2,390<\/strong><\/td>\nVIEW<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    (Prices good at the time of this post.)<\/p>\n

    The bottom line:<\/h2>\n

    \nDon’t buy a diamond if you don’t view the inclusions<\/strong> (you could end up getting a diamond like the I1 clarity). You should also buy a diamond that’s GIA certified<\/strong>… And, you must shop and compare prices!<\/p>\n

    \nSome of the best prices and best deals that you’ll find anywhere are online with James Allen<\/a>. Check them out, view the diamonds with their very cool 20x magnification, see the inclusions, and make a much better buying decision (I recommend pave<\/a> or halo mountings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

    \nIf you need any help in selecting a stone or info about quality, send a question to my Diamond Guide Q&A<\/a> and I’ll be sure to respond.<\/p>\n

    Cheers! :)<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    A picture is worth a thousand bucks. I could talk about inclusions and flaws in a diamond all day. I could explain clarity and how it affects the beauty of a diamond. But until you [Read More…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4519,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,7,29,3,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-certification","category-clarity","category-diamond-guide","category-diamonds","category-engagement"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4500"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4500"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4500\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4519"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}