FLAWLESS
(FL) Flawless diamonds show no
blemishes or inclusions when examined by
a skilled grader under 10x magnification.
The following do not disqualify a stone
from the flawless category: An extra facet
on the pavilion which cannot be seen face-up.
Naturals totally confined to the girdle,
which neither thicken the girdle nor distort
its outline. Internal graining which is
not reflective, white, or colored, and does
not significantly affect transparency.
INTERNALLY
FLAWLESS (IF) IF stones show no
inclusions and only insignificant blemishes
under10x. Normally what separates IF from
FL stones are characteristics that can be
removed by minor repolishing (light surface
graining is an exception).
VERY
VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (VVS1 AND VVS2)
VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that
are difficult for even a skilled grader
to locate under 10x. In VVS1, they are extremely
difficult to see, visible only from the
pavilion, or small and shallow enough to
be removed by minor repolishing. In VVS2,
they are very difficult to see.
VERY
SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (VS1 AND VS2)
VS stones contain minor inclusions ranging
from (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) for a
trained grader to see under 10x. Small included
crystals, small feathers, and distinct clouds
are typical.
SLIGHTLY
INCLUDED (SI1, SI2 and SI3) SI
stones contain noticeable inclusions which
are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see
under 10x. In some SIs, inclusions can bee
seen with the unaided eye.
IMPERFECT
(I1, I2, AND I3) I-grade diamonds
contain inclusions which are obvious to
a trained grader under 10x magnification,
can often be easily seen face-up with the
unaided eye, seriously affect the stones
potential durability, or are so numerous
the affect transparency and brilliance. |
