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Clarity

Clarity is a combination of how many inclusions occur within a diamond and how noticeable they are.

Most diamonds contain blemishes on the outside of the diamond or inclusions trapped inside the diamond. These inclusions are what distinguish a single diamond from every other diamond. While determining the diamond's clarity grade the following are considered: Size - How small or large is the inclusion ? Position - Where in the stone is the inclusion ? Color - How light or dark is the inclusion ? Number - How many inclusions are there in the diamond ? Relief - How thick or thin is the inclusion ? Nature - What type of inclusion is it ?

Clarity grades range from flawless for a perfectly clean diamond even under a 10-power microscope to an I3 stone where the diamond is so full of inclusions it is both ugly and breakable. The cleaner the diamond the rarer and more expensive it will be.

An Example of the Different Clarity Grades:

What Clarity is Best?
We recommend that you select an "eye-clean" diamond — one that has no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. An excellent value, diamonds of this clarity are much less expensive than IF- or FL-grade diamonds and typically do not contain visible inclusions that detract from the beauty of the diamond. If you're considering an SI grade diamond, call to speak to Josh Fishman who will review the diamond to ensure the inclusions are not visible with the unaided eye. Remember that other sellers, like BlueNile, cannot really tell you about their listed diamonds because they don't own them and they don't have instant access to them.  But, if you'd rather not compromise on clarity yet are budget conscious, choose a diamond with a good cut and G to J color.

Diamond Clarity Enhancements
As this is a very important subject, I have devoted a full page to this subject. Please click on Clarity Enhancement of Diamonds to read a full discussion of this topic.