Diamond Clarity

Throughout history, many cultures have cherished the diamond for its clarity. The Sanskrit text Arthasastra, now over 2000 years old, describes the gem’s ability to withstand physical elements and its amazing light dispersion. It is a diamond’s clarity, its ability to refract light, that will attract any buyer, before carat, cut and color are even known.

In the modern market, diamond clarity plays an important role in determining gem value. Gemologists measure clarity by examining a diamond’s internal defects, called inclusions. No diamond is free of these inclusions – chemical and physical defects naturally embedded within each stone – but a skilled jeweler will cut a gem so that these imperfections will not be visible to the naked eye.

Inclusions are so typical in diamonds that a mere twenty percent of these gemstones find their way onto the gemstone market. The remaining eighty percent are funneled to industrial clients, where visual perfection takes a back seat to function.

Each gemological association has developed a method to grade diamond clarity [Diamond Grading], usually ranging from flawless to imperfect. You should consider having your diamond clarity graded for posterity.