Diamonds are the most popular gemstones in the world and it is the most important element of an engagement ring. Diamonds are said to be used by men ever since the ancient times, wherein they used the diamonds as decorative items.

There have been so many organizations that were created to grade and certify the characteristics of the diamonds because diamonds are quite in demand these days. Engagement rings are probably the best partner of diamonds when it has been famous through an advertisement way back the 20^th century but since the 15^th century, they have been used as an engagement symbol.

Clarity of Diamonds

Diamond clarity tells how flawless a diamond is and it is also associated by the presence of the inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions and blemishes are things that affect the diamond clarity like its relative location, visibility, orientation, size and number of inclusions. Diamonds are usually viewed under a 10x magnifying tool that is used by jewelers to identify the diamond clarity.

VS2 Clarity Diamonds

VS2 clarity diamonds flaws are easier to recognize compared to the VS1 clarity diamonds that are under the jewelers’ magnifying loupe. The inclusions of VS2 diamonds are a little larger than those of the VS1 diamonds. This type of diamonds is said to be a wise buy since they have a high clarity grading as they consists of invisible flaws.

Buying VS2 Clarity Diamonds

When buying a VS2 clarity diamond, you should always be careful and be sure that you ask questions to the manager or the salesperson for you to view the diamond up close with the magnifying tools for you to check on the visible flaws. You can also buy VS2 diamonds online, just make sure you buy it from reputable sites wherein you can view pictures of the diamonds they sell closely.

Clarity Grading:
Diamond clarity defines the smoothness of a diamond as most of the jewelers claim that it can be the most important factor and characteristic of a diamond as it is the simplest thing to grasp. In fact that it is not the most important of them all. This is just the quickest solution to illustrate the quality of the diamond as it is that easy to be revealed.
If a diamond has higher clarity grade, the more valuable it will be in the market. Additionally, inclusions in diamonds are like human fingerprints that can also be useful.

SI1 Clarity definition:
The clarity of a diamond is associated with the existence blemishes and inclusions that can be some imperfections or just another diamond crystal that can unclear or whitish in appearance. SI1 clarity diamonds have inclusions inside which can hardly be seen by looking at in with the naked eye, the inclusions and blemishes can be easily spotted through a 10x magnifying loupe. SI1 diamonds can be the most excellent choice with regards to clarity and a buyer should look at it under a magnifying loupe before before buying one and inspect it properly.

Advantages of SI1:
• Possess almost invisible flaws. Flaws are almost invisible when looking at the diamond.
• Price point. SI1 clarity diamonds offer a convenient price point.
• Achieves more attributes. These diamonds has the ability to achieve other qualities like color, cut and weight that.
SI1 clarity diamonds are not as clarity branded as the VS clarity but they provide great solution regarding your budget.

Buying a diamond is no easy matter. Regardless whether money is a problem or not, one would want to buy something that is worth its price. In this case shoppers are suggested to look into the 4C aspects in diamond; namely the Cut, the Clarity, the Color and the Carat. This article will focus on Clarity.

Diamond clarity definition

Clarity in diamond is also called Purity in another culture. It refers to how clear – or how pure – a diamond is from defects and imperfections. Based on this understanding, diamond clarity is graded according to the attributes of the imperfections, including here are the numbers of imperfections, the sizes, the positions, the colors and the visibilities to human’s eyes. Some diamonds look absolutely spotless when seen with unaided eye and some others show visible marks. Most of the time, these imperfections do not affect the diamond’s sparkle. Though in some rare cases, the defects are so large that they overshadow the returned light. This means a loss of brilliance for the diamond.

How is diamond clarity graded?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a good grading system for diamond clarity. Ranging from the highest quality to the lowest, diamonds are graded as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), Slightly Included (SI) and Included (I). The GIA skillful graders        award these grades based on how difficult it is for them to find the flaws. Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are very rare since diamonds, like other things in life, are created with defects. FL diamonds are so hard to find that most price reports don’t even have FL listed.

IF diamonds are clean inside, but under 10x magnification, some slight, really tiny bit of dot or two may be found on the surface. VVS and VS diamonds come next in the rare diamond category with still an eye-clean look. This means if you see them with your naked eyes, it’s impossible to see any imperfection. SI diamonds have reasonably good clarity. You can find some visible flaws with your bare eyes in some SI diamonds, but some others could still look spotless. Included diamonds are the worst in the grade list. It shows very visible marks, attained both by nature and by the polishing process. In some diamonds, these marks are so large and dark that they dim the shine of the diamond. This is why diamond enthusiasts started “enhancing” diamond clarity.

What is clarity enhanced diamond?

Clarity enhanced diamond is a diamond that has undergone enhancement process. Diamond enhancement can be done in two ways: fracture filling and laser treatment. Fracture-filled diamonds may have the chance that the filling comes out under very rare circumstances, such as being exposed to fire. But if you buy a fracture-filled diamond, you will get a lifetime guarantee, which is pretty fair. Laser-treated diamond offers permanent treatment, which makes its price higher than the fracture-filled ones. However, both enhancements smoothes the look of the diamond at the same time it reduces the buying price. For some shoppers, this is an advantage enough.

How important is diamond clarity for you?

Everyone has different budget and expectation when it comes to buying diamonds. The higher your budget is, the easier for you to find higher quality diamond. If your budget is restrained, try to get a diamond with medium-graded clarity. You’ll still be able to enjoy its beauty with your naked eyes at the same time saving thousands of dollars for the features that you’ll enjoy more; cut for example. Shop wisely and have fun!

VS2 Clarity Diamonds are virtually flawless. Any flaws a VS2 clarity diamond has can only be seen when the diamond is viewed through a 10x magnifying loupe. If you want a diamond that strikes a perfect balance between quality and affordability, VS2 clarity diamonds may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Diamond Clarity Grades

What is diamond clarity? Diamond clarity measures a diamond’s clarity in terms of the number, color, and placement of its flaws or inclusions. Gemological labs like the GIA certify diamonds to have one of 11 clarity grades, from the highest (FL or flawless) to the lowest (I3 or commercially-included). Flawless diamonds are very costly and are much less common than their flawed counterparts.

GIA VS2 Clarity Grading

The GIA is a major gemological laboratory. The GIA method of diamond clarity grading is used by a number of other gemological laboratories. The GIA defines a VS2 clarity diamond as one that has tiny inclusions that cannot be seen without a loupe that magnifies at least 10x.

Choosing GIA-Certified VS2 Clarity Diamonds

The GIA can be depended on to give consistent and accurate clarity grades. A GIA-certified VS2 clarity diamond has flaws that cannot be seen with the naked eye, making them the perfect choice for those seeking to buy a great diamond at a great price.

Furthermore, although GIA certifications are more common, AGS Gemological lab is also a very reputable one. Even though AGS has a different clarity grading than the GIA’s, they are a good choice to be relied on.

Other labs such as: EGL, IGI, HRD and more known in the diamonds industry to be more “upgrading” in terms of how they grade diamonds.

To ensure that you only get the best VS2 clarity diamonds, purchase those that were graded by the GIA or AGS.

Buying VS2 Clarity Diamonds

If you are planning on purchasing a VS2 clarity diamond from a local jewelry store or elsewhere, it’s best to exercise caution and ask the management or staff of the establishment if you could use their microscope or jeweler’s loupe. Use it to inspect the diamond you are interested in purchasing.

Online Shopping for VS2 Clarity Diamonds

Another option that is highly recommended is to purchase VS2 clarity diamonds from online retailers that allow you to see photos of the diamonds taken at close range. The photos will help you check for flaws and if the flaws are noticeable.

James Allen offers customers the ability to view 40x magnified photos of their diamonds, which assists customers in choosing the perfect VS2 clarity diamond.

Carat Weight History

‘Carat’ came from the ancient Greek word ‘keration’ which means ‘fruit of the carob’. Diamond weight is measured in carats because carob fruit was known to be uniform in weight and size.
The carat (CT) became the official unit of weight for diamonds in 1907 at the fourth General Conference on Weights and Measures. One carat equals 200 milligrams (0.2 grams).

When shopping for a diamond, these next related issues should be considered with regards to carat weight:
• Size
• Shape
• Cut quality
• Pricing
• Proportions of the diamond to the wearer
• Budget

Size

Even if diamonds have an identical shape and weight, they don’t necessarily have the same size. Diamond size is determined by how it is cut (dimensions) and its depth.
A diamond that has less depth has a larger diameter (size) and vice versa.
Doubling carat weight does not double size since the diamond is larger in both diameter and depth.

diamonds Shape

Each shape has a unique look. Diamonds with the same weight but are cut to different shapes will have different sizes (diameter and depth), so some shapes seem “larger” than others.

diamonds Cut Quality

Cut quality greatly influences appearance. A well cut diamond looks like a “Fireball” and seems larger because weight and dimensional size are optimal and correlate. The worth of a well cut diamond is also higher because of the amazing difference with other ordinary looking diamonds.

diamond Pricing

The Rapaport Diamond List sets the diamond prices. Weight has the largest impact over price and is followed by clarity, color, and cut quality.
Larger diamonds are rarer and cost more than smaller ones when clarity, color and cut are equal.
Doubling weight quadruples total cost (not price per carat). Sometimes larger diamonds are cut to retain a higher weight and price; this will compromise the cut quality and appearance.
Round and fancy shapes are priced separately. Round diamonds cost more because demand is higher — 65% of the market — and cutting into a round shape causes loss of more material in comparison to other shapes.

Carat weight main classes are:
• 0.50-0.69CT
• 0.70-0.89CT
• 0.90-0.99CT
• 1.00-1.49CT
• 1.50-1.99CT
• 2.00-2.99CT
• 3.00-3.99CT
• 4.00-4.99CT
• 5.00-9.99CT
• 10.00 CT and up

Price differs by percentage between weight classes, so the best value diamonds are close to the upper limit of the weight class below your target.
For example, a 0.92 Carat diamond will look very similar to 1.00 Carat diamond but will cost between 8 – 20% less (when color, clarity and cut are the same).

Proportion

Bigger diamonds aren’t necessarily better. Maintaining the right proportion between diamond and wearer is important.

Budget

Larger diamonds are more expensive so you have to consider this when buying one. But rest in the fact that you can find a great looking diamond within your budget range.

More Carat Weight Tips:

• “Total weight” is different from carat weight since it represents the total weight of diamond in a piece of jewelry. For example, a pendant with 3 set diamonds will have a total weight of 1.23 and that the weight of all three diamonds is 1.23 Carats.
• When size is important, compromise on clarity or color but not the cut quality – since the cut quality determines its looks and sparkle.
• Choosing one size category smaller will save you money.

Diamond Clarity

A diamond is evaluated by the level of its clarity. Clarity is graded according to the inclusions or internal characteristics found in the diamond. The grading system mostly used to establish this is the GIA Clarity Scale. Differences in the existence, size, position and density of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity.

Recommended  SI2 Diamonds:

0.91 Carat H-SI2 Premium Cut Round Diamond:

1.07 Carat H-SI2 Ideal Cut Round Diamond

GIA Clarity Scale

v  FL – Flawless

v  IF – Internally flawless

v  VVS1 – Very Very small inclusions

v  VVS2 – Very Very small inclusions

v  VS1 – Very small inclusions

v  VS2 – Very small inclusions

v  SI1- small inclusions

v  SI2- small inclusions

v  I1 – Included

v  I2 – Very Included

v  I3 – Very Very Included

SI2 Clarity

When a diamond is classified as SI2, it means it has one or more inclusions or internal characteristics. Most of such inclusions are very small and scarcely visible to the eye. These types of inclusions are classified by diamond professionals as ‘eye clean’ and are considered ‘good inclusions’.

Good Inclusions

1. Small inclusions – Not immediately noticeable to the observer.
2. White – Does not disrupt the natural color of the diamond.
3. Well located – The inclusion is hidden from view at the bottom or the sides.

Bad Inclusions

1. Large – Easily seen when looking at the diamond
2. Dark – Interferes with the natural color of the diamond and may appear grey or black
3. Badly located – Very visible when looking at the diamond, usually located on the surface.

Find the Finest SI2 Diamond

The easiest way to source a diamond worldwide is through the internet. What’s important is to find a dealer who provides clear, close-up images of the diamonds for sale. This way, a buyer will be able to scrutinize the clarity of the diamond and determine the characteristics of its inclusions before actually purchasing it.

Only a few dealers have this feature in their website. It would be wise for the buyer to choose one that offers this form of guarantee.

SI2 Clarity means that the diamond has one or more inclusions that are large enough or spready enough to be determined as SI2 Clarity grade. Most SI2 diamonds have visible to the eye inclusion. Some SI2 diamonds are what we call in the diamonds industry “lucky”.
“Lucky Diamonds” are diamonds that appear to be “eye clean” and that is when looking at the diamond without any magnification aid (loupe or microscope) it appears to be clean from inclusions.
“Lucky” SI2 diamonds have what called “Good inclusions”.
“Good Inclusions” are:
• White inclusions
• Well located inclusions – located on the sides or at the bottom parts of the diamond.
• Both white and well located.
“Bad inclusions” are just the opposite:
• Dark inclusions
• Badly located inclusions – located on the top surface of the diamond and are very visible to the eye.
• Both dark and visible

The big question is: how to find the best SI2 diamonds out there? SI2 Diamonds can be found in many diamond websites. The Best SI2 diamonds can also be found at these websites, but it will be easier to find the best ones with vendors that provide a real picture of every diamond. These vendors enables you to see how a specific diamond looks like and by that decide weather the diamond is “Eye Clean” or not.
For more information on how and where to find the best SI2 diamond deals please check our web site: http://www.diamònds.com

Are you looking for a diamond? Engagement ring? A pair of earrings?
Let me introduce you with James Allen diamonds: www.JamesAllen.com
The online diamond market is full with diamonds vendors, some are big and some are small, some are great and honest and some are not.
How can you choose the best one for you?
When shopping a diamond online you are facing a few problems:
1. Trusting the vendor.
2. The certainty that you can replace or return the diamond or piece of jewelry that you have purchased.
3. Knowing and understanding the look of the diamond/jewelry by only looking at a picture.

Regarding the first two issues; most large diamond vendors are very respectful businesses and will replace your diamond/jewelry without any problem.
Vendors like Bluenile.com and Mondera.com have been in the business for many years now and have built their business very honestly.

The third issue is the hardest to solve especially when looking for a loose diamond.
When looking for a loose diamond online the major problem you will probably encounter with is not having the option viewing the actual diamond. You basically buy diamonds “blindly” without the option looking them.
Most major online diamonds vendors are providing you with the basic information that can be found in the gemological certification of the diamond such as: depth, height, quality of cut and more.
There is one piece of information that all major vendors are not providing you but one: James Allen diamonds
JamesAllen.com bringing the most important aspect: A true picture of each diamond.
The ability to view a true picture enables you to avoid from choosing a bad looking diamond, especially in regards to the Clarity of the diamond. This is important mainly if you are look for a diamond with a clarity lower than VS2. VS2 clarity diamonds and below, sometimes have inclusions that are too visible.
James Allen diamonds besides providing this great advantage is also a very reputable vendor with great customer service and great online reviews.

While working in the diamonds business in the US, it was sometimes surprised to see how people react to the fact the I am in the diamond business. I got many reactions, but basically I can divide them to three: 1. The women’s reaction – The mouth is opened widely and then a big smile of happiness and admiration. 2. The men’s reaction – It’s a man’s smile that combines respect and interest. 3. The ones that do not care. I believe that the reasons for these reactions, is that most people see in diamonds something very expensive what also makes it a hard subject to understand and learn. This mystery regarding diamonds does not enable most shoppers to buy diamonds right. I want to advice you on a few simple steps before shopping for diamond. 1. Study the 4 C’s of diamonds – Take your time, diamonds are not that scary when starting to learn about them. Each C of the 4 C’s of diamonds changes the look and the price of a diamond. Once you understand how the 4 C’s affects the look and price, it will be much easier shopping for a diamond. 2. Set a realistic budget – I believe you can find amazing diamond in every budget. Set a realistic budget and do not forget that you can always upgrade in time for a larger diamond. 3. Set your own 4 C’s diamonds priority order – Once you decide which one of the 4 C’s is the most important for you in a following order, you will know which diamond you want to buy. The most important thing I believe is to enjoy the buying process, diamonds look great and hopefully you will carry them for life, or like saying goes – Diamonds are Forever.