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The GIA Standard
The Gemological Institute of America is the creator of the diamond clarity standard for evaluating the purity of a diamond. The Clarity rating of a diamond is directly dependent on the size, type, number, location, hue, visibility (relief) and nature of the inclusions (internal) that exist within the diamond. The GIA standard for Clarity is based on 10X magnification.
The GIA system of clarity grading
- Flawless (FL) have no external or internal imperfections; these are very rare.
- Internally Flawless (IF) have very miniscule external imperfections and no internal inclusions.
- Very Very Slightly Included(VVS1, VVS2) have minute inclusions which are very hard to detect with a microscope.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) have very small inclusions which are difficult to detect with a loupe by the untrained eye.
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) contain slightly larger and greater amounts of inclusions than VS2, which are still difficult to see with the naked eye.
Included (I1, I2, I3) contain noticeable inclusions that can affect a diamond's brilliance and durability.
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Chart of inclusions on a diamond corresponding to their clarity level
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The dark spots are inclusions
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