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:: Clarity ::

           Almost all diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. To determine a diamond's clarity, an expert views it under 10 power magnifications. In addition to internal inclusions, surface irregularities are referred to as blemishes. These two categories of imperfections-inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external)-make up clarity.

           The fewer the imperfections, the rarer and more valuable the diamond. Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. A laboratory-certified clarity rating of SI2 represents the point at which inclusions are technically not apparent to the average naked eye.

           Contrary to popular belief, higher clarity does not always mean more beautiful. If the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, a higher clarity does not really improve the appearance of a diamond but rather the rarity and price. A higher clarity is more desirable and valuable, but knowing that you have selected the right clarity for the right reasons is most important. We recommend a clarity of SI2 or better.

           Clarity is graded using a very precise and complex method of evaluating the size, location, and visibility of inclusions. The diagrams to the right show a top view of a round diamond. The inclusions, shown in red, are an approximate sample for each clarity rating. The plotted inclusions may not be actual size for display purposes. Remember, the inclusions depicted in red are not visible to the average naked eye until the I1-I3 clarities. Below is the technical clarity scale with a description of each term.

SYMBOL	MEANING	DEFINITION
F	Flawless	Free from all inclusions and blemishes
IF	Internally Flawless	No inclusions visible at 10x magnification
WS1	Very, Very Slightly Included	Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x
WS2	Very, Very Slightly Included	Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x
VS1	Very Slightly Included	Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x
VS2	Very Slightly Included	Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x
SI1	Slightly Included	Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x
SI2	Slightly Included	Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to locate at 10x
SI3	Slightly Included	Some inclusions may be seen with the unaided eye
I1	Included	Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided eye
I2	Included	Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided eye
I3	Included	Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided eye