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ABOUT CLARITY
Clarity refers to the number, position and size of inclusions (or flaws) that occur naturally inside diamonds. The fewer and less obvious the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades the clarity of diamonds as follows:
| F |
Flawless. The diamond shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification when observed by an experienced grader. Note: Truly flawless or internally flawless (F or IF on the GIA’s grading scale) diamonds are extremely rare. |
| IF |
Internally Flawless. The diamond has no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10X magnification, but will have some minor blemishes. |
| VVS1, VVS2 |
Very, Very slightly included. The diamond contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10X magnification. |
| VS1, VS2 |
Very slightly included. The diamond contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds or feathers when observed with effort under 10X magnification. |
| SI1, SI2 |
Slightly included. The diamond contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10X magnification. |
| I1, I2, I3 |
Included. The diamond contains inclusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10X magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance. |
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