The Jewelers Standard

Diamonds that are absolutely without imperfection are very rare to find in the high color ranges and therefore the most sought-after and the most expensive. But many diamonds have inclusions - bubbles, clouds, feathers, carbon, trace minerals or other tiny characteristics. Although if there are many of these, or if they are large enough to see by eye, they detract from the pure beauty of the diamond. Many of them are visible only through magnification.

Jewelers Standard ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The standard magnification is a 10 power loop - which is what most jewelers use. The GIA and AGSL use a detailed system of rules and standards to summarize the number, location, size, and type of inclusions present in a diamond. FL, IF Diamonds: Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare. VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds: Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond. VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. More affordable than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades. SI1, SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and at times may be visible with the unaided eye. The most affordable diamond and usually the best diamond value.

Which Clarity is Best? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We recommend that you select a diamond that has no inclusions visible to the unaided eye - Si1 or Si2. These stones have imperfections that may look big when magnified but are actually so small that you can't see them without magnification. Most people are better off spending their money on a better color, or better cut. If you're considering an SI grade diamond, or other fine gem quality stone, color diamonds, or precious stones, call us at 800-440-3572. We always work directly with you, review the diamonds you are interested in to ensure the inclusions are not visible with the unaided eye.