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Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity. In all diamonds, except the most rare, tiny traces of
minerals, gasses, or other elements were trapped inside during the crystallization process. These are
called inclusions, but are more like birthmarks. Many of these inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10X loupe or microscope these natural phenomena can be seen. They may look
like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers and they're what make each diamond different and unique. The clarity
of a diamond is graded by how many, how big, and how visible the inclusions are. The fewer and smaller the
inclusions, the more rare and valuable the diamond. Obviously, then, the larger, more visible and frequently
occurring the inclusions, the lower the grade and the less rare and valuable the diamond.
Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no such inclusions. These internally flawless diamonds
comprise less than 1% of gem quality diamonds. Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded VVS1 or
VVS2. Very small inclusions are graded VS1 or VS2. Slight inclusions are graded SI1 or SI2, although in
larger diamonds, some SI2 inclusions can be seen with the naked eye. Inclusions that can be easily seen with
the naked eye are graded I1, I2 or I3.
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