Clarity

Most diamonds contain extremely fine inclusions, making each diamond unique. These inclusions do not actually affect the beauty of the diamond or reduce its durability. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions, the less they affect the light penetration within the diamond, resulting in a more brilliant sparkle.

Color

Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These rainbow-like colors are rare and therefore more valuable.

Cut

Many people confuse cut with the shape of diamond. In fact, cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices. A well cut diamond, no matter how it is inlaid, will look sparkling. There is no need to be worried about your own judgment.

Clarity

A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under 10x magnification. Under this observation, undetective characteristic on the surface or inclusion will not effect grading judgement. The GIA uses as standard equipment binocular stereo microscopes which are able to zoom to higher magnifications. These microscopes are equipped with darkfield illumination, as well as an ultraviolet light filtered overhead light. When grading is performed using a 10x handheld loupe, 'darkfield' illumination is more difficult to achieve.

Clarity is a quality of diamonds relating to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond. As with the color of a diamond, they are almost never completely clear and often contain trace minerals known as inclusions. Therefore, GIA does not suggest the term as flaw, as it may implies negative meanings. A proper term to address these naturally contained materials within diamonds would be inclusions, or blemishes. Diamond which graded over VS is still beautiful and solid.