How to Know About Diamond Clarity

Finding the perfect diamond is more than just picking out the largest diamond in the display case. The clarity of a diamond will affect the value far more than the karat weight. Knowing what types of blemishes affect the value and look of a diamond, and which don't have any effect at all, can help you determine what to buy.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Bright light

Instructions

1. Visit a reputable diamond broker or jeweler. Make sure he knows that you want to be educated and, once you are, you'll be in a position to buy. He will definitely sit down with you and walk you through the steps and teach you what to look for. If he doesn't, walk away.

2. Pick a diamond that you can afford. Don't worry if you can't pick a diamond that is considered "flawless". They are extremely expensive and VERY rare. A diamond with a clarity of SI1 or VS2 is a great mix of price and quality.

3. Consider only diamonds of SI2 clarity or above. Diamond grades are typically enforced by gem societies, but they are still subjective. Diamonds of SI2 clarity and above are considered to be flawless to the naked eye.

4. Learn your diamond grades. Diamonds are graded on a scale of I, meaning "included", to F "flawless". There are many grades in between, such as SI, VS, VVS, IF, and F. The closer you get to "F", the more rare and expensive the diamond will be. Diamonds are further broker down with numbers, such as SI2, VS2 and VS1. Ones are higher grades than twos. Think of these as letter grades, such as A minus, and A plus.

5. Shine a bright light through the diamond. If you see any white spots, called "feathers", without having to use a magnifying glass, then the diamond is of lower quality. If you see nothing, switch to the magnifying glass. If you only see a few "feathers", then you are probably looking at an SI quality diamond, which is a typical mid-range grade. If you can't see anything with a magnifying glass, then you're looking at an expensive diamond, and should prepare to pay a higher price for the privilege.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy your diamonds from a broker and you will avoid the huge retail mark-up that jewelers charge. Unless you're a very good customer, jewelers charge a very high mark-up. Of course, if you cultivate a long-term relationship with your jeweler, and give him first look when you buy, he may cut you a break on the price.

• Never solely go by the diamond's certificate. If you find a diamond that you like, ask for an independent appraisal and grading. Reputable jewelers will allow you to do this, and many will recommend it without you having to ask.