The Diamond Clarity Chart – Its Impact on the value of diamond jewelry

As many of us know, we consider four aspects when describing a diamond stone. These are the 4C's of color, cut, clarity and carat. However, and thanks to the media, many people just concentrate on how big the stone is and whether it is clear or fancy colored, but not the cut and clarity. This article seeks to sensitize the masses about the effect of clarity on a diamond. To effectively address this matter we have to consult and demystify the diamond clarity chart.

The clarity of a diamond can be described as its internal condition as seen under 10x magnification. The magnification reveals some imperfections which have an effect on how light passes through the stone. These flaws are referred to as inclusions and are caused by a number of reasons including cracks, breaks, mineral deposits, and irregular crystals. Most diamonds have inclusions but in varying degrees and this affects their value i.e. the fewer the imperfections the more valuable a stone is. The diamond clarity chart therefore grades diamonds based on the varying degrees of inclusions they may have.

Principally, two clarity scales exist, that of the GIA - Gemological Institute of America and that of the AGS - American Gem Society. The GIA diamond clarity chart rates diamonds from the flawless i.e. no internal or external imperfections, to the imperfect i.e. a stone with unmistakable flaws which affect its transparency and consequently its brilliance. The AGS scale rates them from 0 to 10 - the higher the number the more imperfect the stone is.

Inclusions appear in different forms ranging from tiny white points, feathery cracks, dark dots, and to light or dark spots. Crystals are inclusions which appear as small specks in the stone under magnification. Some diamonds have rare crystals forms which are attractive and thus they turn such stones into collectors' items.

Feathers are inclusions which appear as small fissures and they are also the most common form of inclusions although they can be invisible to the untrained eye even under 10x magnification power.

Grain lines on the other hand appear as fine lines on a diamond's surface. Cavities are surface-reaching crystals which are exposed as a result of polishing. Knots are crystals which have become included and left exposed on the surface after polishing. Laser drill holes are the tiny holes which are left in a diamond after the use of laser drilling to change a black crystal into a white inclusion. Naturals are the normal surfaces of unpolished diamonds and which do not affect the clarity as long as they are on the girdle.

The location of the inclusion in the diamond will definitely affect the stone's position on the diamond clarity chart. As such, a stone with an inclusion near the edge has higher intensity and consequently higher value than one with an inclusion at a central position.