Diamonds - How To Clarify Clarity - Cashmere, Wool and Silk directory

Clarity classification is also known as flaw classification. Clarity is one of the key means to determine value of the diamond. However as in all human and natural dimensions there are always snall flaws. For although some very rare diamonds are classified as flawless, they still contain small flaws. These flaws are usually flawed only at a microscopic level. And in fact, referring to a diamond as flawless is no longer encouraged. You need to remember that as diamonds form they all take on different characteristics. When they are reduced to a micrscopic level it can be seen the flaws take on different shapes; some may seem like an arcing feather, another a small explosion.

When the flaw is inside the diamond it is called an inclusion. When the flaw is on the outside it is called a flaw. Each diamond is unique, if you search inside it. The beauty of a diamond may not affect the clarity of the diamond if it is within the top eight clarity grades. Few people can discern the difference between grades until they descend to the clearly flawed diamonds. And people tend to believe that diamond clarity affects the diamond's brilliance and sparkle. If you are the buyer, you watch for the flaw grade, or clarity grade of the diamond as that indicates the quality and value of the stone.

The lack of flaws determines how clean the diamond is. The clarity grade is determined by close examination of the diamond with a small hand held microscope called a loupe, which you can learn to hold up to your eye for close inspection, you hold the diamond close to your eye, and turning it in all directions, examine for yourself. The point system for examining the diamond is seen with the aid and through the loupe with a ten times magnification.The clarity grade is determined by the number, size, location of blemishes and inclusions, and the color of the diamond or gemstone.

A flawless grade would be given to a diamond which shows few if any at a ten times magnification, the internationally means to determine diamond quality, even though magnification to a higher power than ten can display flaws unseen to the international standard.But for international standards, if a flaw does not show at ten times magnification is does not exist, or at least is not measured. Use of the loupe takes years to master, and if you were to try using it you would likely only be able to notice flaws in lower grade diamonds. Several recognized clarity grading systems exist in the world.

Today the United States and a growing number of countries are using the system created was developed by the GIA. Clarity grade and flaw grade are terms used interchangeably, and today the term clarity grade is more often used. The CJBJO (International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls, and Stones) is the most commonly used system in the world, used in the United States and also in Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

Also in the United States there is the GIA (Gemological Institue of America), and the AGS (American Gem Society).In Europe is HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamont, which is the Diamond High Council of Belgium. In Scandinavia is the Scan D.N. (Scandinavian Diamond Nom enclature). Through the world, there is an increasing cooperation on finding clarity on how to classify your diamond.