Diamond clarity is the measure of flaws found in and on the outside of a diamond. The less flawed a diamond is, the more value it has and the higher the price tag. There are very few diamonds which can be categorized as having no flaws at all, however, most diamond flaws cannot be seen without magnification of at least 10 times. Because issues with diamond clarity are often undetected when looking at a diamond, some people consider this to be one of the least of their concerns when selecting a diamond to purchase.
How is Diamond Clarity Determined?
The most well known measurement of diamond clarity is done by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It ranks diamonds based on a grading system it created that ranges from flawless diamonds, to imperfect diamonds, with many different grade ranges in between. The better the clarity ranking, the more expensive a diamond will sell for as it has more value.
Types of Inclusions that Effect Diamond Clarity
Inclusions are flaws that effect diamond clarity. They make it so that the diamond is not ?perfect?, and there are visual imperfections within the gemstone. Most flaws however, are un-noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen under high levels of magnification.
There are names for many of the most common inclusions. Carbons effect diamond clarity because they are very small black dots found on the surface of a diamond, which may or may not be visible in regular lighting. Some may be so small that you need magnification to view them. Pinpoints effect diamond clarity because they are white dots along the surface of a diamond. Pinpoints are the most common of all diamond flaws.
Clouds effect diamond clarity because they cause what look to be cloudy areas within the gemstone. The clouds are actually made up of many growths of crystals that are positioned very close together within the diamond, and their proximity to one another is what causes the cloudiness to appear. Feathers effect diamond clarity by causing cracks to form within the diamond, that look similar to that of broken glass.
Clarity Enhancements
Diamond clarity flaws can often be fixed or reduced by using a variety of clarity enhancement treatments. Some diamonds are painted, some get lasered in order to remove pinpoints and carbons, and some diamonds undergo a process by which tiny holes are drilled into the diamond in order to reach areas of inclusions within the gemstone, and then the cracks are later filled with molten glass.
Having enhancements done to improve diamond clarity decreases the overall value of the diamond, but can improve it's appearance. Diamond certificates should indicate that enhancements were done on the diamond, so ask to see documentation before making a purchase. While most enhancements just cause the diamond to look nicer, some may actually cause the diamond to be weaker, and more prone to breakage than a diamond that has not had any treatments.
Diamond clarity is the most important thing to consider if you're thinking about purchasing a diamond. However, it can be challenging to get high quality diamonds, especially if you don't know much about them. Before you go out and purchase a diamond, you should read this guide to make sure you don't get stuck with an over-priced, low quality rock.
What to look for
When shopping for jewelry, whether it is gold or silver, keep in mind that price is always of primary concern. As a general rule, the price of a particular piece defines how good it is. You should always be wary of cheap jewelry when shopping for someone close to you, as they make it cheap for a reason.
Additionally, you should be cautious of buying jewelry that is on sale. Sometimes jewelers put certain pieces on sale because they simply want to get rid of old stock. At other times, however, they put pieces on sale because they are of low quality.
Finally, pay close attention to how well the diamond is cut. The more the diamond has been cut and formed, the better it is.
Where to shop
It is of the utmost importance to shop for diamonds from a reputable dealer. This point cannot be stressed enough. When you are planning to spend a significant amount of money on jewelry, you want to make sure that you are getting something that is worth the asking price.
A good way to gauge whether or not you can trust a jeweler is to look around their shop. If they have a high-quality, professional establishment then chances are you will be fine. However, if they are running a kiosk, booth, or are just selling their wares on the streets, then you should avoid these types of dealers.
Additionally, you should trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about the person you are doing business with, then don't do business with them.
Finally, you should try to shop from the largest store in your community. The reason is that large-scale buyers get the best deals which allow them to pass the savings on to you, the consumer.
Other Tips
Whether you're looking for a simple pendant or an engagement ring, you should buy designer diamond jewelry. These will generally look the best and will allow you to make your gift extra special. Another thing to consider when looking at jewelry designs is that women wear diamonds to be fashionable. You're going to want to buy something that is both beautiful on its own and complimentary to her fashion style.
Finally, get a gift that symbolizes your love for the person you are shopping for. If you are spending a massive amount of money on a present, you want that gift to be as special as possible. By following the advice listed here, it is certain that you will find the diamond jewelry you have been looking for.
Both Ken Charnley & Remy Jirek are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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