Clarity

Our most precious area of gemstone knowledge concerns the selling of diamonds. We frequently refer to the 4 C’s; these are the benchmarks describing the optical and physical properties of a diamond. Many of our customers will come into the shop knowing very little about diamonds. The term ‘the 4 C’s’refers to 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 are guaranteed quality.

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 nature’s 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 means no internal or external flaws, and Internally Flawless means 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 the unaided eye. Much less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2 Diamonds

Slightly included. Inclusions easily visible with 10x magnification, not with the 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.