Clarity

The first and most important piece of gemstone knowledge which we possess is related to selling diamonds. We frequently refer to the 4 C’s, these are the benchmarks which outline the optical and physical properties of a diamond. Many of our customers will come into the shop knowing very little about diamonds. The 4 C’s are a good way of defining the Clarity, the Cut, the Colour and the Carat weight of a diamond. We like to refer to the 5th C’ as being Clark - with the Clark name behind your purchase you can be guaranteed quality.

The clarity refers to how blemish free the stone is, both inside and on the surface. Small carbon deposits or other inclusions, cracks, fissures all detract from a diamond’s value. These small imperfections can be referred to as natures fingerprints, the presence of inclusions is not a negative feature as it shows the stone is authentic.

This is how we grade the clarity of a diamond:

FL, IF Diamonds

Flawless has no internal or external flaws, and internally flawless has no internal flaws.

VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds

Very, very slightly included. Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.

VS1, VS2 Diamonds

Very slightly included. Unable to see inclusions with an unaided eye. Much less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2 Diamonds

Slightly included. Inclusions easily visible with 10x magnification, not with unaided eye. A good value in a clarity grade.

P1, P2, P3 Diamonds

Included. W.E. Clark & Son will not stock stones of this clarity.