Clarity and color are the two primary components considered when it comes to diamond grading. Naturally, the diamond comes along with various colors from colorless, rare pink, greens, blues, and yellows to other colors known as ”fancy.” Do you know what is the best color for a diamond?
How about clarity? Diamonds have tiny characteristics that are called “inclusions.” The inclusion’s number, size, nature, position, and color determine the stone’s clarity.
What is Diamond Clarity?
This is a qualitative metric that is used to grade the visual appearance of diamonds. The rule of thumb states that the fewer the blemishes and inclusions, the better the clarity. There are different types of inclusions. They include cavities, knots, crystals, cleavage, feathers, clouds, and internal graining. On the other hand, the types of blemishes include chips, nicks, scratches, polish lines, breaks, or dark spots. You can learn more about diamond clarity, which is an independent and reliable source of information.
How Are Diamonds Clarity Graded?
To determine the diamond’s clarity, experts note the diamond’s appearance when the gemstone is faced up, using a microscope at 10X magnification. However, some of the inclusions are difficult to be recognized even with power that is more superior to 10X. Five factors play a primary role when determining diamond clarity. They include:
- Size, the inclusion size is critical. This is because a more prominent inclusion will have a significant impact on the clarity grade of the diamond.
- Nature, these are features of the diamond’s surroundings. The inclusion’ character can state the type of composition. For instance, if something is situated on the surface of the diamond and has not penetrated the diamond, it is called blemish but not inclusion.
- Number, the diamond’s clarity grade will be lower when it has various clarity characteristics.
- Location, this refers to the area on the diamond where the inclusion is based. If the inclusion is at the center or near the diamond center point, the diamond has higher clarity. The further the location is from the center, the lesser the clarity.
- Relief, this means how the inclusion is distinct from the host of the diamond.
Which Diamond’s Color Is Best?
Best diamond colors are based on GIA and AGS standards. GIA and AGS are two organizations in America that perform various lab tests to different jewelers. Their lab reports are too detailed and give a complete overview of the prescribed gemstone.
Colors dramatically affect the value of the diamond. For instance, two diamonds of the same weight, clarity, and cut value can be different due to color. The slightest change of tone has massive implications on the cost. Regarding the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), color grades range from D to Z. Any gemstone that falls within the range is regarded as a standard color range.
Highly valued diamonds do not have any color. Hence, the more the color, that is brown or yellow, the lesser the grade. However, brown or yellow colors that are beyond Z grade attracts astronomical prices. This is because they have the properties of “fancy” colors. Green, blue, and pink diamonds also falls under the “fancy” category.
When diamond grade scales, the value exponentially goes up. Below is the GIA D-Z scale:
- Colorless- these are three, namely D, E, F
- Near Colorless- they are G, H, I, J.
- Faint- they consist K, L, M.
- Very light- they include N, O, P, Q, R
- Light- they include S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.
Final Thoughts
Clarity and color play a significant role when it comes to the value of the diamond. If you need more in-depth information about the clarity and color, you can do an online search. There are many independent online platforms, diamond and jewelry forums that can help you in your decision making. If you want to buy a timeless piece, it should have fewer inclusions and blemishes, meaning they have high clarity and will most likely keep its value.
One of the most renowned and trusted online sources to buy quality lab grown and natural diamonds is Diamond Hedge. They have one of the largest selection of lab grown and natural diamonds in the world. Diamond Hedge is the first Augmented Reality diamond search engine that allows consumers to try on diamond rings on their hands from anywhere and then compare from over 1 million diamonds from all the leading diamond companies of the world. They provide highest quality of lab grown and natural diamonds and diamond engagement rings at the most competitive prices.
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