Before going through the confusion regarding the magnification power required to grade diamonds properly. Let us first have a look at exactly what characteristic of a diamond is graded with the jeweler’s magnification loupe.
Diamond Clarity
It is amongst the 4 C’s of diamond grading, and is very important; if not the most, for setting the value of the stones in the market. It determines the quality of a diamond by taking things like its surface defects, the stone’s internal impurities, and visual appearance in regards.
Impurities or inclusions are trapped minerals within the stone, which might be of any form; from being solid minerals and crystals of various other chemicals to even liquid and gaseous substitutes. They hugely vary according to their amount, position, type, and color. And are responsible for setting the quality criteria of the stone in terms of its grade reports. The system of clarity grading is pretty simple. The higher and premium quality diamonds are generally termed and quoted as the “Flawless” ones. And hence costs a huge amount; whereas the more inferior the diamonds become in terms of their quality, the worse their grade ratings become.
A Rarity in Terms of Clarity
The rarity and preciousness of a diamond are directly equivalent to how less is the number of inclusions and imperfections present in the diamond. Among all the diamond that is mind and made in this world. Only 20 percent is said to be fit enough for their use as gemstones. The remaining 80 percent is used for various industrial purposes. And are mostly opted for the physical and chemical characteristics that diamonds possess. Now, among the 20 percent, almost all of the stones consist of some of the other kinds of a flaw in them. The ones which look clean when viewed from the naked eye are tagged or said to be the “eye-clean” diamonds. We will be describing the eye clean diamonds later on.
Now, as for the most premium and rarest quality diamonds. They generally fall under FL, IF, VVS grading in descending order. These diamonds are often tagged as “investment grade” or “museum quality” diamonds, just because of their immense valuation. The later grades, namely VS and SI, are said to be the grades. Where one can find the best possible eye-clean diamonds. We won’t be stating the other grades here as they generally tend to fall amongst the inferior gradings.
But, from the above evaluation, it must be clear that one should always look for diamonds from the SI category. As they contain the eye clean diamonds abundantly as well as the cost of clarity for these diamonds are far more efficient than the other grades provide.
Let’s now discuss the “Eye Clean” diamonds, shall we?
Eye Clean diamonds
Eye clean diamonds can be described as those types of the diamond. Which do not include flaws and imperfections that would be visible to the naked eye. They may show inclusions, but not unless they are examined precisely with a magnifying loupe.
The general goes through recommendation while looking for an eye-clean diamond, is to look closely towards its high definition photography or videography. Most of the well-established companies and stores provide customers with such content. On the other hand, if one is at bricks and mortar store, then it is best suggested. That they check the diamonds by moving them away from the bright store lightings. The most optimal light condition recommended is natural daylight, if possible.
There are no absolute clarity grades that could guarantee one an eye-clean diamond. For instance, VS2 is not the grade for typical eye-clean diamonds, but sometimes there may be cases. Where one might find an eye-clean diamond graded as VS2 clarity.
Hence, the evaluation and verification for eye-clean quality to be present for the diamonds should be best done by self. By doing so, not only one shall be able to find an eye-clean diamond. But they shall also be content that they chose what’s best for them.
From the above evaluation, we believe one must have got a firm idea about what eye-clean diamonds mean.
Let us now answer some of the basic questions and queries that might arise in one’s mind. The first one being:
Can The Clarity Of Diamonds Be Enhanced?
Yes, science has provided us with a lot of solutions, enhancing diamond clarity being one of them. There is a certain process that uses lasers to cut a hole inside a diamond. So that the internal inclusion can be excluded, and it is named “Laser drilling”. After the inclusion is removed, these diamonds are washed in acids to make them clean and look like a brand new diamond from a mine. Such kind of treatment is done before the grading of the diamond is done; hence the grading report has words like “laser drilled” listed in it, just for the customers’ knowledge.
There is another type of clarity enhancement process, which is termed as “fracture filling”. This process consists of filling up of fractures, cracks, and spaces inside the diamond with filler materials; just as a car’s windshield crack is treated. Often such diamonds show a tint of pink or orange. When closely viewed as the filler materials tend to be of such colors and light reflects these colors all through the diamond.
The later process is said to be the inferior one, as this is not a permanent process. And this is exactly why GIA does not grade such “fracture filled” diamonds. The reputable companies hence also provide refilling and repair services for such kinds of diamonds. Because the fillings tend to get damaged by heat.
One thing to note is that, if a diamond shows reports which contain words like “fracture filled” or “clarity enhanced”. One can be pretty sure that such a report is a false one. And hence he or she should be beware of a potential scam.
Now, the other question;
What Magnification Device Or Power Is Used To Grade Diamonds Clarity?
It is all right for one to question the device used for such a vital process as grading reports. Showcase the overall worth and valuation a stone can provide.
The clarity of a diamond is determined by precise inspection and examination of the stone. With the help of powerful magnifying devices, known as jewelers’ loupe. These devices can zoom up to 10x times the normal magnifying tools can, and can view and identify microscopic and minuscule inclusions inside the diamond which are not at all possible to detect through the naked eye.
The completion of such evaluation is done only after the diamond has been inspected at 10x focus, from all the four directions.
Such a controlled and scrutinized process ensures the consistency of the grading reports and their legitimacy.