Ass #10 - Grading Clarity

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Questions and Answers

What does the 'VVS' grade indicate in diamonds?

Diamonds with minute inclusions that are difficult to see (correct)

Diamonds with significant durability issues due to inclusions

Diamonds that are completely free of inclusions

Diamonds with visible inclusions under 10x magnification

Which type of diamond is likely to contain inclusions that can be seen face-up without magnification?

Slightly Included (SI)

Included (I) (correct)

Very Slightly Included (VS)

Flawless (F)

How are Very Very Slightly Included diamonds graded?

Based on the type and location of inclusions shown in a plot

By the difficulty of seeing inclusions under 10x magnification (correct)

By the overall visibility of inclusions under 10x magnification

Based on their inclusions being easy to see without magnification

What type of inclusions might you typically find in a VS1 diamond?

Minor inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification Signup and view all the answers

What does a clarity plot represent in diamond grading?

A map of a diamond’s clarity characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds?

The visibility of inclusions in the face-up position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the inclusions in an I3 diamond?

Obvious and might affect durability Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Slightly Included (SI) diamonds from Very Slightly Included (VS) diamonds?

SI diamonds have less clarity than VS diamonds Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of inclusions found in SI1 diamonds?

They can include various types such as crystals and feathers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the green ink indicate when plotting clarity characteristics?

Blemishes, except extra facets Signup and view all the answers

Where are characteristics that only break the surface plotted?

Wherever they occur on the stone Signup and view all the answers

Which color ink indicates laser drill-holes among other characteristics?

Red ink Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for orienting a diamond to its clarity plot diagram?

The wedge technique Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics are typically plotted last on a clarity characteristics list?

Extra facets and naturals Signup and view all the answers

What tends to happen as the number of clarity characteristics decreases?

It becomes harder to identify inclusions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of professionals most commonly plot diamond clarity characteristics?

Gemologists and laboratory experts Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of plotting a natural characteristic on a clarity diagram?

To identify it as an inclusion type Signup and view all the answers

Which ink color is used to indicate extra facets when plotted?

Black ink Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is prioritized first when listing clarity features?

Laser drill-holes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the clarity grade of a diamond?

The size, number, location, relief, and nature of inclusions Signup and view all the answers

Which location of an inclusion typically has the greatest impact on a diamond's clarity grade?

Under the table Signup and view all the answers

How does size influence a diamond's clarity grade?

The size of an inclusion affects its visibility and grade Signup and view all the answers

Which factor related to relief affects a diamond's clarity grading?

The brightness contrast between inclusion and gem Signup and view all the answers

In the clarity grading procedure, what is the purpose of the wedge technique?

To simplify finding inclusions by dividing the diamond into sections Signup and view all the answers

What does 'nature' refer to in the context of clarity grading?

The type of inclusion and its effect on clarity Signup and view all the answers

Which clarity factor is generally most visible and impactful for grading?

Inclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is true about smaller inclusions regarding visibility?

Multiple reflections can make them appear more visible Signup and view all the answers

When establishing a clarity grade, which characteristic is typically given more weight?

The visibility and nature of inclusions Signup and view all the answers

Which inclusion type often poses a greater risk to a diamond's integrity?

Black inclusions Signup and view all the answers

What defines a callable clarity characteristic in diamonds?

It affects clarity and is visible at 10x magnification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration for assigning a clarity grade to a diamond?

The largest or most visible clarity characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT considered for a diamond to qualify as Flawless?

Inscriptions that appear to penetrate the surface at 10x. Signup and view all the answers

What clarity grade shows only insignificant blemishes but no inclusions?

Internally Flawless (IF) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the clarity grade scale regarding inclusions and blemishes?

Blemishes typically do not affect grades lower than Internally Flawless. Signup and view all the answers

When were the IF and I3 grades added to the GIA grading system?

In the 1970s. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding VVS diamonds?

VVS diamonds can only be distinguished by trained professionals. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature can allow a diamond to still be classified as Flawless?

Inscriptions that do not penetrate the diamond surface. Signup and view all the answers

Which clarity characteristic is considered non-callable?

Inclusions visible only at magnification higher than 10x. Signup and view all the answers

What was Richard T. Liddicoat's role in the GIA grading system?

He was a significant contributor to the diamond grading system. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics are drawn only in green on a plot?

blemishes, with the exception of extra facets Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diamond Grading Clarity

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) introduced a diamond grading system in 1953
Five clarity factors impact a diamond's grade: size, number, location (position), relief, and nature
Size: Larger, more visible inclusions result in a lower clarity grade; size is relative to the diamond's size
Number: More inclusions, or visible reflections, result in a lower clarity grade
- Facets act like mirrors, reflecting inclusions, making them more noticeable
- Grade is determined by visibility, not just the count of inclusions
Location: Inclusions under the table are more visible; those near the girdle are less visible
Relief: Contrast between an inclusion and host gem affects visibility
- Greater contrast makes the inclusion more apparent
- Differences in brightness, darkness, or color between inclusion and host gem impact visibility
Nature: Refers to the characteristic's impact on the diamond; inclusions have more impact than blemishes
- Inclusions can pose a risk to the stone
Clarity Grading Procedure
- Wedge Technique: Divides the stone into eight sections (wedges) for systematic search
- Pavilion view examined; facets and a portion of the girdle are examined
- Key characteristics are easier to identify and document with increased magnification
- Characteristics are callable (affect clarity) or non-callable (do not affect clarity), and are visible at 10x magnification
- 'Non-callable' inclusions are often called +10x
GIA Grade Scale
- Clarity descriptions of different grades vary
- Flawless (F): No inclusions or blemishes visible at 10x magnification; extra facets or internal graining may not be visible
- Internally Flawless (IF): Only insignificant blemishes, visible at 10x
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2): Minute inclusions, difficult to see
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Minor inclusions, ranging from difficult to somewhat easy to see
- Slightly Included (SL1 & SL2): Noticeable inclusions, easy/very easy to see at 10x
- Included (I1, I2, I3): Obvious inclusions at 10x; inclusions visible to the unaided eye. I3 inclusions might impact durability
Plotting
- Graphical representation to map inclusions on a diamond
- Different colors/symbols for blemishes, inclusions
- Plots are created by appraisers, gemologists, or dealers
  - Often, plots are for characteristics that significantly impact grade/condition
- Plotting is often for inclusions and features that are easy to locate or are significant

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Description

Explore the essential factors that determine a diamond's clarity grade as established by the Gemological Institute of America. This quiz covers the size, number, location, relief, and nature of inclusions and how these aspects impact a diamond's overall quality. Test your knowledge and understanding of diamond grading principles.