The greater a diamond’s clarity, the
more valuable and rare it is---and the higher it is
on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.
Virtually all natural diamonds contain
identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible
to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler’s
10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural phenomena---called
inclusions--may be seen. These are nature’s birth-marks,
and they may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
Diamonds categorized as internally
flawless reveal no such inclusions. Flawless stones
are at the peak of the Diamond Quality Pyramid and are
treasures for their rarity and beauty. Diamonds with
very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2.
The larger the inclusion, the lower the grade and less
rare the diamond. Inclusions that can be seen with the
naked eye are graded I1 to I3.
The number, color, type, size and position
of surface and internal birthmarks affect a diamond’s
value. Major inclusions can interfere with the path
of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing
its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value.
Let's move on to Diamond
Color
