The four C's, color (clarity, carat, and cut,) now and in past years have been the criteria for judging a diamond. These four C's generally are what determine the value of a diamond. When evaluating the true quality and worth of a diamond, clarity is one of the most important factors considered.
A diamond clarity grade is determine by the number and size of imperfections that is present in just about every diamond out there. The imperfections affect how much light can pass through the stone. What that said, is a diamond only as valuable as its clarity rating?
The Significance of Clarity
So why is so much importance placed on clarity? Simply put, regardless of how big the diamond is, the brilliant color it has, or its nice shape, if it has imperfections it will not reflect light as well as it possibly could. Good clarity is what gives the diamond a good reflection. This is a feature that many talk about with diamonds, so a low clarity grade will negatively impact the demand and therefore the value.
The Emphasis on Clarity
As mentioned, a great deal of importance is placed on clarity. However, some question how much value should be placed the clarity grade of a diamond. Does one have to have great clarity in order to be declared a beautiful stone? The answer is that clarity isn't the only factor when looking at a gemstone.
Just because a diamond doesn't receive a high clarity grade doesn't mean that it doesn't have value. However, it does need to have a certain level of clarity to it, as a diamond with too many imperfections will not be desired. Very few diamonds are considered to be internally flawless, meaning it has no imperfections.
The ones that are in this category are very rare and expensive. However, a diamond can still have inclusions that can't be seen with the naked eye, still making it very valuable and beautiful.
The next time you are shopping for diamonds, place careful consideration on the clarity rating of the diamond, but not too much to the point where you don't buy one strictly because of it. Use a diamond clarity chart as a reference for evaluating.As mentioned, very few get the highest possible clarity grade so be sure to consider the other 3 C's in the process as well. A diamond with good clarity however with just average or above average carat, color, and cut will make a magnificent choice either for yourself or a loved one.
See Also: Diamond Clarity and Color
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