The 4 C's (cut, color, CLARITY, carat weight) (Click to view each)
 
 
The presence of any trace minerals, feathers, dark pinpoints, or other inclusions within the diamond affects its Clarity Grade. The fewer the inclusions, the higher the price. The chart below compares the two major Clarity Grading Systems advocated by GIA and AGS:

	GIA  Fl. Int. Fl. VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I2 I3 Category  Flawless Internally Flawless Very, Very Slightly Included Very Slightly Included Slightly Included Imperfect AGS  0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Most diamonds contain natural inclusions, or flaws. Each stone - each inclusion - is unique in itself. Some are microscopic, and can be seen only when examined by a trained eye under the 10-power magnification of a binocular microscope or a jeweler's loupe. Some inclusions can be seen when examined by a trained eye under four-power magnification, whereas some inclusions may be visible to the unaided eye. The type, number, size, and location of the inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond. As long as inclusions do not affect the passage of light through the diamond, they will not detract from its beauty. Again, international standards have been established for grading diamonds according to their clarity. These clarity grades range from "Flawless" to "I₃". An additional grade has been introduced - for use ONLY within the "wholesale trade"; this grade is called an "SI₃". We have discovered that a number of Diamond Sellers on the internet are using this grade of "SI₃" which falls in between an "SI₂" and an "I₁". Neither GIA nor AGS recognizes the grade of "SI₃", and until they do, we at Bennett's will NOT use this grade. You, as a buyer, should not purchase an "SI₃" grade; GIA or AGS would grade it as an "I₁".

The charts below are Clarity Plots, which show the number and size of inclusions typically present in diamonds of a particular clarity grade. Look for a clarity plot on a Diamond Certificate, or Grading Report, to get a clear idea of the number and size of inclusions in a particular diamond. From this plot, you can accurately gauge a diamond's clarity without even seeing the diamond.

Clarity Plots     FL (Flawless) IF (Internally Flawless - Minor Surface Blemishes.)     VVS1-VVS2 (Very, very small inclusions, difficult to locate under a gemologist's 10X power binocular microscope.)   VS1-VS2 (Very small inclusions, easy to locate under a gemologist's 10X power binocular microscope, but difficult to locate under a 4X power jeweler's visor.)   SI1-SI2 (Small inclusions easy to see and locate under a 4X power jeweler's visor, but not visible to the unaided eye in the "face-up" position.)   I1 (Imperfect - Eye-visible inclusions when the diamond is unmounted - sometimes "eye-clean" when set into a mounting.)   I2 (Imperfect - Definite eye-visible inclusions, even when mounted. Durability of the diamond may be questionable.)   I3 (Highly Imperfect - Very, very eye-visible inclusions even when mounted. Extremely fragile, this grade should NEVER be set into a ring mounting.)

Click here to view a Clarity Vs Price Comparison Chart

CLARITY ENHANCED DIAMOND GRADING:

So, how are Clarity-Enhanced diamonds graded? GIA has recommended that, when Clarity-Grading a Clarity-Enhanced diamond, the gemologist determines a grade based on its visual appearance (to the eye and under magnification), then lower that grade to the next grade, and mark that "Lower Grade" with the note "CE-L*" (*"L" - designating "Lasered") or "CE-F**" (**"F"- designating "Filled".)

Any trained jeweler can tell if a diamond has been beauty enhanced by studying the diamond under magnification. Among jewelers, the process is often referred to as "Clarity-Enhancement." It is virtually impossible for the enhancement to be detected without extensive training and 10X magnification.