![]() Such diamonds, with the purest natural color and clarity grades, have typically held their value best over time and have special status in the eyes of many diamond professionals, collectors, enthusiasts, and auction houses. ![]() Collection QualityĪ flawless or internally flawless diamond, when paired with D, E, or F color and a top cut grade, are considered to be collection quality. This “D Flawless” (or IF) pedigree becomes even more prestigious when the diamond type is confirmed to be Type IIa, the most chemically pure in nature. D Flawless PrestigeįL or IF clarity, when paired with D color and a top cut grade (for round brilliants) represents the highest pedigree in the diamond world. Such characteristics are permitted in “flawless” diamonds since they were not a technical consideration at 10X magnification. Examination at higher levels of magnification may reveal natural clarity characteristics which do not appear at 10X. Reality CheckĪ diamond’s clarity grade is established at 10X magnification. A diamond’s optical properties are not influenced by inclusions and blemishes, except in the very lowest grading category Included: (I1-I2-I3): Those three grades are reserved specifically for diamonds with inclusions numerous or severe enough to impact light transmission and/or durability. A diamond’s observable brightness, fire, sparkle, and contrast are all attributable to its cut quality. Real World InformationĪ Flawless diamond will not sparkle better than a diamond with lower clarity. There is no laboratory definition for eye clean, but a PriceScope survey of gemologists resulted in this consensus:Įye-clean = No inclusions visible to the unaided eye when viewed from the face up position in daylight equivalent or fluorescent lighting from approximately 6 – 12 inches from the eye using 20/20 vision. The only characteristics permitted for flawless and internally flawless diamonds include discrete extra facets which cannot be seen from the top, an area of natural skin which is entirely confined to the girdle, and internal graining, which is completely transparent, not white, colored, or reflective, and cannot be seen from the top. ![]() Any flawless or internally flawless diamond will be absolutely eye clean by the definition below. Any clarity above VS2 is relatively eye clean and the FL and IF grades are four levels of scrutiny higher. Let’s Get Practical Are FL and IF diamonds always eye-clean?Ībsolutely. PriceScope Pointer: Some diamond professionals and collectors believe that a flawless diamond becomes an internally flawless diamond once it’s mounted. These blemishes can often be removed with minor repolishing except for surface graining, which cannot be polished away. Internally Flawless (IF) Diamond ClarityĪn internally flawless diamond shows only insignificant surface blemishes when examined at 10X magnification. *Some laboratories will not issue the flawless diamond clarity grade unless the owner of the diamond requests that grade in writing when the diamond is submitted.įlawless diamonds are permitted to have laser inscriptions on the girdle or laser brand marks/holograms which do not penetrate the surface when examined at 10X. ![]() Since flawless refers to both the internal and external integrity of the diamond its polish and symmetry are also required to earn the lab’s highest grade. Finish grades are also considered for this designation. When a gemologist examines a diamond and fails to find even minute inclusions or blemishes using 10X magnification the diamond is a candidate for the flawless grade* A skilled grader will examine the stone again, from all directions, to confirm the initial flawless impression. The diamond clarity grade describes a stone’s relative freedom from internal characteristics, classified as inclusions, and surface characteristics, classified as blemishes. PriceScope Pointer: Unless you have a specific reason to spend for flawless diamond clarity you will get identical clarity appearance at VS1 clarity, most often with VS2 clarity and sometimes even with SI clarity.īefore going on: Check out the PriceScope Diamond Buying Guide Flawless Diamond Clarity (FL) Described When paired with D color and a top cut grade there is no higher pedigree in the diamond world. The flawless diamond and internally flawless diamond are the undisputed queens of clarity. ![]() Ask our PriceScope members and industry experts for a second opinion or get lost in the thousands of user-shared diamond and jewelry images for inspiration. ![]()
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