Understanding the IGI Diamond Clarity Scale

When purchasing a diamond, understanding its quality is paramount. While color, cut, and carat weight are widely discussed, diamond clarity often remains a more technical aspect that buyers need to comprehend. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) provides a standardized clarity grading scale that helps consumers and industry professionals assess the purity of a diamond. This scale is crucial for determining a diamondapos;s value and its inherent beauty.

Definition

Diamond clarity refers to the assessment of small imperfections, both internal and external, within a diamond. These imperfections are often called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). Inclusions are typically crystals, feathers, clouds, or other natural characteristics that formed within the diamond during its creation. Blemishes are surface characteristics such as scratches, pits, or polish lines. The IGI Diamond Clarity Scale quantifies the degree to which these imperfections are present and visible under 10x magnification.

Key Features

The IGI clarity scale is designed to be objective and consistent. Key features include:

• Magnification Standard: All grading is performed under 10x magnification using a standardized loupe or microscope.
• Visibility of Inclusions: The primary factor is whether inclusions are visible to the unaided eye (eye-clean) or require magnification.
• Nature and Size of Inclusions: The type, size, number, and position of inclusions are considered. Dark inclusions or those near the center can be more detrimental to clarity than tiny, white inclusions located towards the girdle.
• Effect on Brilliance: Clarity can impact a diamondapos;s brilliance and fire. Excessive inclusions can diffuse light, reducing the diamondapos;s sparkle.
• Standardized Terminology: IGI uses specific terms to describe clarity characteristics, ensuring consistent reporting across its laboratories worldwide.

Origin and History

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) was founded in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1975. It was established by the Mordechai family with the goal of providing reliable and independent diamond grading and certification services. Over the decades, IGI has grown to become one of the worldapos;s leading gemological laboratories, with facilities in major diamond centers globally. The development of their clarity scale, while adhering to established gemological principles, reflects IGIapos;s commitment to accuracy and consumer protection in the diamond trade.

Grading & Quality Standards

The IGI Diamond Clarity Scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Each grade represents a distinct level of imperfection visibility under 10x magnification.

The IGI Clarity Grades:

• FL (Flawless): No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification. These are exceptionally rare.
• IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have very minor surface blemishes that do not affect the diamondapos;s beauty.
• VVS1 & VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are extremely small and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even for a skilled grader. VVS1 is a slightly higher grade than VVS2.
• VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are minor and difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. They are generally not visible to the naked eye.
• SI1 & SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye in SI2 grade, though often still appear eye-clean from a top-down view depending on the inclusionapos;s nature and location.
• I1, I2, & I3 (Included): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and are typically visible to the naked eye. These inclusions can affect transparency, brilliance, and durability. I1 has inclusions that are minor, while I2 and I3 have progressively more significant and apparent inclusions.

Key Factors in Grading:

• Nature: What type of inclusion is it (e.g., crystal, feather, cloud)?
• Size: How large is the inclusion?
• Number: How many inclusions are present?
• Color: Is the inclusion colorless or colored?
• Relief: How visible is the inclusion against the diamondapos;s background?
• Position: Where is the inclusion located within the diamond, especially in relation to the table facet?

Buying Guide

When considering a diamond graded by IGI, pay close attention to the clarity grade on the certificate. Hereapos;s how to approach it:

• Understand Your Needs: Are you looking for the absolute best, or a diamond that offers excellent value and beauty?
• Eye-Clean is Key for Many: For most buyers, a diamond that appears flawless to the naked eye is sufficient. This often falls into the VS or SI categories. Focus on SI1 or VS2 diamonds, as they often offer the best balance of clarity and price.
• Examine the Report: Always ask for the IGI grading report. It will detail the clarity grade and often include a diagram (plot) showing the location and types of inclusions.
• Look at the Diamond: The report is a guide, but always view the diamond yourself, preferably under magnification, to see the inclusions and how they affect the stoneapos;s appearance.
• Consider the Inclusionapos;s Nature: A large, dark inclusion can be more detrimental than several small, white ones. Some inclusions, like a prominent feather running through the center, might affect durability.
• SI1 and SI2 Nuances: These grades can offer significant savings. An SI1 diamond might be eye-clean, while an SI2 might be on the borderline, with inclusions that are small or located near the edge of the diamond.

Price Range & Value Factors

Clarity is a significant factor influencing a diamondapos;s price. As you move up the clarity scale from Included to Flawless, the price increases exponentially.

• Scarcity: Higher clarity grades (FL, IF, VVS) are much rarer than lower grades (SI, I). This scarcity drives up their cost.
• Appearance: Diamonds with fewer and smaller inclusions appear more brilliant and are therefore more desirable.
• Eye-Cleanliness: A diamond that is eye-clean, regardless of its technical grade (e.g., an SI1 that looks like an IF), often holds significant value for the average consumer.
• Grading Report: An IGI report adds a layer of trust and affects resale value. A diamond with a solid IGI report for its clarity grade will command a better price than one without.
• Inclusion Type: Certain types of inclusions can lower value more than others. For instance, a large, dark crystal near the table will impact value more than a tiny feather on the girdle.

Diamonds in the VVS and VS categories represent a good balance of rarity, beauty, and value. SI diamonds can offer excellent value if they are eye-clean. I-grade diamonds are the most affordable but come with visible inclusions that can impact beauty and potentially durability.

Care and Maintenance

While clarity itself is an inherent property of the diamond and cannot be changed, proper care ensures that external blemishes do not accumulate and that inclusions do not worsen.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your diamond jewelry regularly with a soft brush, warm water, and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not expose diamonds to chlorine, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the metal setting or, in rare cases, etch the diamondapos;s surface.
• Professional Inspection: Have your jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler annually. They can check the setting for security and professionally clean the diamond.
• Proper Storage: Store your diamond jewelry separately in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratching against other pieces.
• Be Mindful of Inclusions: If your diamond has significant inclusions, particularly those that reach the surface (like some feathers), be cautious of impacts or pressure that could potentially cause damage.

Pros and Cons

Pros of IGI Clarity Grading:

• Standardization: Provides a globally recognized and consistent grading system.
• Consumer Confidence: Empowers buyers with objective information to make informed decisions.
• Objectivity: Reduces the subjectivity in diamond assessment.
• Valuation Tool: Essential for accurate pricing and resale value determination.

Cons of IGI Clarity Grading:

• Magnification Dependence: Grades are based on 10x magnification, and inclusions may not be visible to the naked eye, leading some to overpay for clarity they cannot see.
• Subtle Differences: The distinction between adjacent grades (e.g., VVS1 vs. VVS2, or SI1 vs. SI2) can be very subtle and hard for a layperson to discern.
• Cost of Certification: While IGI reports are standard, obtaining them involves costs.

Common Misconceptions

Several misunderstandings surround diamond clarity:

• All Inclusions Are Bad: Inclusions are natural characteristics of diamonds and are unique identifiers. They are not necessarily flaws that diminish beauty, especially when they are small and well-placed.
• Visible Inclusions Mean Low Value: While significant inclusions lower value, many SI diamonds are eye-clean and offer excellent beauty for their price.
• Clarity is the Most Important 4C: While important, clarity is often considered less critical than cut for a diamondapos;s overall sparkle and beauty, especially when comparing diamonds within the same clarity grade but different cut grades.
• Any Inclusion Means Itapos;s Not Real: Inclusions are proof of a diamondapos;s natural origin. Lab-grown diamonds also have inclusions, though they may differ in type and frequency.

Related Terms

• 4 Cs: The universal standard for assessing diamond quality: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
• Inclusion: An internal characteristic within a diamond.
• Blemish: An external characteristic on the surface of a diamond.
• Loupe: A powerful magnifying lens used by jewelers to examine gemstones.
• Eye-Clean: A term used to describe a diamond that has no visible inclusions to the naked eye.
• Diamond Plot: A diagram on a grading report that illustrates the location and type of inclusions and blemishes.
• GIA (Gemological Institute of America): Another leading gemological laboratory with its own widely recognized clarity grading scale, similar in principle to IGIapos;s.

FAQs

What is the most important factor for a diamondapos;s sparkle?

The cut grade is the most important factor for a diamondapos;s sparkle. A well-cut diamond maximizes light return, giving it brilliance and fire, regardless of its color or clarity to some extent.

Is an SI1 diamond eye-clean?

Many SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, meaning their inclusions are not visible without magnification. However, it depends on the size, nature, and location of the inclusions. It is always best to view the diamond personally.

How much more expensive are VVS diamonds compared to VS diamonds?

VVS diamonds are significantly more expensive than VS diamonds due to their rarity. The price difference can be substantial, often hundreds or even thousands of dollars per carat, depending on other factors like carat weight and cut.

Can inclusions affect a diamondapos;s durability?

Yes, certain types of inclusions, such as large feathers or fractures that reach the surface, can make a diamond more susceptible to chipping or breaking. This is particularly relevant for lower clarity grades like I1, I2, and I3.

Should I prioritize clarity over color?

This is a personal choice and depends on your budget and preference. For many, achieving an eye-clean diamond in the VS or SI range and then focusing on color (e.g., G-H-I range) offers a better balance of beauty and value than a colorless diamond with visible inclusions.