Clarity is one of the 4C’s for Diamond Grading

A diamond grader examines a stone in a systematic way to find its clarity characteristics. By using a diamond loupe or a microscope, the diamond grader looks for the number, the size and the place of the clarity characteristics to determine a stone's value and established its identity.

There are 2 types of clarity characteristics:

1. Inclusions: Enclosed within a gemstone or extends into it from the surface.

2. Blemishes: External features, confined to a gemstone's surface

Diamond Inclusions (internal clarity characteristics)

• Feather: a general term for any break in a diamond called also "gletz" in many countries
• Crystal (included crystal): a mineral crystal contained in a diamond, colored or colorless, that can occur alone or in groups
• Needle: a long, thin crystal it can appear white, bright or dark
• Pinpoint: a very small crystal that looks like a tiny dot, can be single or in a group
• Knot: an included diamond crystal that extend to the surface of a polished stone
• Internal Grain: inclusion resulting from a crystal distortion during growts
• Ggrain Center: small concentrated area of crystal distortion
• Cavity: a large or deep opening
• Bearding: tiny feathers on the girdle as a result of bruting
• Chip: a small or shallow opening, usually on the girdle edge, face junctions or culet
• Indented Natural: portion of original crystal rough that penetrate the polished surface
• Twinning Whisps: a series of pinpoints, clouds or crystals as a result of crystal distortion
• Man Made Inclusions: laser drill hole (tinny tunnel) produced by treatment with a laser beam

Diamonds Blemished (external clarity characteristics)

• Abrasions: tiny chips along facets junctions
• Nick: a small notch on a facet junction or girdle
• Pit: a small opening that looks like a tiny dot
• Natural: original surface of the rough diamond
• Surface Graining: result of irregularities in the crystal structure
• Burn Marks: hazy surfaces result from heat or from uneven polishing
• Scratch: a thin line across the diamond surface
• Rough Girdle: irregular, pitted or granular girdle surface
• Polish Lines: parallel lines as a result of polishing process
  

Diamond certificates, are often referred to as the 5th C. This is because they are important documents that outline essential identifying criteria about your diamond proving its value and authenticity. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you ensure that you get exactly what the diamond is worth with a diamond certificate from a reputable company.

4C’s
Color
Cut
Carat