|
|
| Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual
as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring inclusions
such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics
created while diamonds are formed in the earth. Master
IJO Jewelers use magnification to view diamonds at 10x
their actual size so these tiny inclusions are more easily
seen. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection,
known as clarity, which was established by GIA. The greater
a diamond's clarity, the more rare and valuable it is.
A diamond with an inclusion in the middle or top could
impact the dispersion of light, making the diamond less
brilliant. |
|
Completely flawless or internally
flawless diamonds are very rare expensive. Most diamonds
have tiny flaws or inclusions, known as nature’s fingerprints,
which occurred when the diamond crystal was formed millions
of years ago. When inclusions do not interfere materially
with the passage of light through the diamond, they
don’t affect its beauty. Few people can see any visible
difference between diamonds graded Flawless to Slightly
Included, F to SI. It’s only when they reach the Imperfect
grades, I1 to I3, that flaws are visible and even then
it is sometimes difficult to see any imperfections without
magnification. Even when inclusions are visible, they
often can be concealed beneath a prong so that they
don’t show at all in the finished piece of jewelry.
It is also a good idea to balance the clarity grade
of your diamond with the color. If you are looking at
diamonds in the D-F color range, focus on clarity grades
of VS2 or higher. Diamonds in the G-I color range combined
with S1 clarity are excellent values.
|
|
