Clarity

Diamonds all have natural blemishes in their make-up. These tiny faults, or inclusions, are formed by minerals or fractures while the diamond is forming in the earth. Inclusions in a diamond are guarantees of the natural evolution of the original diamond crystal. All diamonds have an inclusion of some type and if magnification of sufficient strength is used in examination, these inclusions will be observed. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) first listed its clarity designations towards the end of the 1930’s and this forms the basis for clarity grading today. At the same time, the standard of viewing all stones under 10 times magnification for grading purposes was established, and has become the industry standard. When light enters a diamond, it is reflected and refracted out. If there is anything disrupting this flow of light in the diamond, such as an inclusion, a proportion of the light reflected will be lost. The type, size and position of an inclusion in the diamond will determine its grading.