Chunks of coal that have undergone years and years of pressure deep under the earth’s surface are what we know as diamonds. Yes, those very sparkly and amazingly stunning crystallized beauties that we sport on our fingers, around our necks, and in our dainty earlobes. Dark black coal, with all its imperfections and flaws, becomes a diamond. When it transforms into the most awesome gem on earth, however, often the coal leaves some of its traces. These are minuscule flaws that are an integral part of the diamond – and which are more often than not, invisible to the naked eye.

To the experienced jeweler and the most observational eyes, however, these tiny specks are clearly noticeable. It is these imperfections in the diamond that have brought about a need to grade the gem according to what is called “diamond clarity.” The cost of a diamond is determined not only based on the cut, color, and carat, but also on the basis of diamond clarity. At Diamond Exchange Dallas we have been cutting diamonds for over 20 years and are excellent at telling the clarity of diamonds at first glance.

Diamond clarity can be measured by a scale that has been established by the Gemological Institute of America, more often and popularly known as GIA. The GIA helps jewelers rate diamonds on the basis of their clarity, which takes into account the imperfections, which is called ‘inclusions’ in technical jargon.

At Diamond Exchange Dallas, we ensure that all our customers have a clear idea about the diamond they are going to purchase. Today, therefore, we are going to help you understand diamond clarity and how you can identify the perfect diamond. As per the GIA, diamond clarity can be determined according to the following scale:

• Flawless: These diamonds are clear of all blemishes and sport absolutely no inclusions, either internally or on the surface
• IF: These diamonds do not have any flaws internally but on the surface they have a few blemishes
• VVS1: These diamonds have flaws, either internal and/or external, and can be exceedingly intricate and impossible to see under 10x magnification
• VVS2: These diamonds have flaws in them, which are extremely difficult, but not impossible, to see under 10x magnification
• VS1: These diamonds have flaws which are difficult to see with the naked eye up, but visible under 10x magnification
• VS2: These diamonds have flaws that are somewhat easy to see with naked eye and clearly visible under 10x magnification
• SI1: These diamonds have flaws that are clearly visible under 10x magnification
• SI2: These diamonds have flaws that are very easy to see under 10x magnification and are in fact easily visible to the naked eye
• I1: These diamonds have flaws that are clear at 10x magnification and clearly visible to the eye
• I2: These diamonds have flaws that are extremely clear at 10x, are easily visible to the eye, and also tend to affect the beauty and/or durability of the gem
• I3: These diamonds have flaws that are obvious at 10x magnification, visible to the eye, and clearly affect the durability of the gem

Knowing these various categories of diamond clarity can help diamond purchasers choose the most beautiful and most durable gem for themselves. At Dallas Diamond Exchange, we keep the best grade of diamonds, and you can check them out to see that they are all clear and free from all blemishes. You can choose any diamond from our collection and rest assured that the diamond clarity has been tried and tested, and that only the best gem has been hand-picked and designed especially for you. Come to Dallas Diamond Exchange and choose a rare gem with cent percent diamond clarity!