Clarity is one of the four “C”s that determine a diamond’s value.

Clarity describes a diamond’s defects, flaws, imperfections and inclusions. 

Most of these imperfections are microscopic and affect the beauty of the diamond only when they exist in sufficient size, darkness or quantity to interfere with the movement of light through the diamond. See “Cut”.

As a general rule: Clarity has a greater impact upon the rarity of a diamond than the beauty of a diamond.
See “Diamond Beauty”.

There are five criteria used in discussing the inclusions and/or imperfection of a diamond. They are size, number, type, brightness and location. Combinations of these criteria are used to determine a diamond’s clarity grade.

There are many different grading systems used to describe a diamond’s clarity.

Many of these systems copy or use charts or graphs that look similar to each other.

Seldom do they mean the same thing.

That is why the Federal Trade Commission requires Jewelers to identify which grading system they are using.
See “Diamond Shopping”.


A Clarity Grade of SI-1 in one system does not mean the same as a Clarity Grade of SI-1 in another system.

So be very careful and make sure the Jeweler follows the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines and identifies which grading system they are using. 

I strongly recommend the G.I.A. Grading System, for it is the industry standard!
See “Diamond Grading”. 

The word “Feather” makes most people think of something soft and wispy but when a Jeweler uses the word “Feather” they are describing a “Crack” in the diamond. That crack maybe very small or large enough to cause structural damage to the diamond.

Some “Enhanced” or “Treated” diamonds are stones that have very large cracks, fractures or cleavages that break the surface of the diamond. Under pressure, these fissures are filled with a special glass, which causes the crack to blend in or disappear. This treatment is not permanent; the glass may fall out or discolor. It is recommended that these diamonds not be subjected to an ultrasonic cleaning machine or high temperatures commonly experienced during certain repairs.

“Lasered” diamonds refers to a diamond that has been drilled with a laser down to a dark inclusion. Acid is then used to remove the inclusion resulting in a lighter or less visible inclusion. This treatment is permanent and the drill hole is visible.

There are other treatments and misleading words. So, if you do not understand what the Jeweler is talking about, ask them to explain. You might be surprised by the truth.

“Clarity” is determined using a binocular microscope at 10X power.

Hand held loupes are primarily used by professionals for quick inspections and are extremely difficult to use! You should not be tricked into using one!!!

TV screens are used to fool gullible customers!!!

If your Jeweler honestly wishes to show you the clarity of a diamond. They will use a binocular microscope of good quality!

Anything else is just a joke / trick!!!

Once a diamond has been mounted into a piece of jewelry it is very difficult to get an accurate Clarity Grade. The prongs and setting make it difficult to fully view the stone and inclusions or flaws may be hiding under them or in their shadows.

Appraisals??? Depends on the Grade!