Today I want to take a look at one of the “4 C’s” of how diamonds are graded.  For those that aren’t aware, diamonds are ranked in 4 main categories - cut, color, carat and clarity.  Let’s have a close look at one of the biggies - clarity.

The range for grading clarity goes from IF (the best) down to I3 (the worst).  In total, there are ten grades that a diamond can be given.

Clarity refers to the number of “inclusions” that are present in the stone.  Basically, inclusions are small blemishes or imperfections.  These form naturally when the rock is forming in the earth and inclusions are found in nearly all diamonds.

In order to place a grade on the diamond, a gemologist inspects the diamond under magnification in order to look at the inclusions that are present.  The grading is then decided on the number of inclusions, and also how noticeable or big they are.

Just to illustrate, a diamond that has an IF grading has no inclusions whatsoever.  This is incredibly rare, and as you can imagine, this type of diamond will have a huge price premium attached to it.

A diamond graded VS2 will have “very slight” inclusions - these are only noticeable under a microscope and aren’t typically noticeable with just the naked eye.  These diamonds are priced for a lot less that an IF graded diamond.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different ways diamonds are graded.  Pick up a diamond ring buying guide - this will make a huge difference in the end as you can save a lot of money on your purchase.  Just a little education will be the difference in finding an affordable engagement ring instead of overpaying and making your jeweler richer.