Glitter Gyan

The clarity of a diamond enunciates its supremacy in arresting our attention and makes it a key factor in assessing its financial worth as per the 4Cs. Clarity has its roots in the word ‘clear’ which describes the ability of light to transmit through an object. In this case,clarity of a diamond defines its structural grade of purity. That is the visible aspect of a diamond to structurally scatter the light. In its natural start,the beauty of a diamond often stays masked. It is unleashed by the cutting techniques of a trained craftsman. The aspect discerning one piece from another,though it may have the same size,shape,cut,colour and weight is its clarity. From the frozen grounds of Siberia,specifically from the Republic of Sakha,are procured what many experts consider to be the world’s cleanest diamonds. Flawless (FL) is the highest clarity grade in diamonds and are very rare. The clarity of a diamond is commonly marred by inclusions/blemishes. Inclusions are defined as imperfections inside the diamond,e.g. ‘feather’ is an inclusion since it’s the internal cracking in a diamond. Blemishes include other forms of imperfections like a chip,fracture,extra facet,bearding,polishing lines etc. The ‘Clarity Grading’ is further affected by factors relevant to these imperfections: its number,size,colour,orientation,relative location and visibility. In the 1950s,Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the first internationally accepted diamond grading system. This system opines on quality of polished gems following a uniform grading criteria. The GIA diamond grading report has become the benchmark for the international gem and jewellery industry that is found accompanying diamonds worldwide. Conclusively,clarity in diamonds is referred to the degree of freedom from inclusions and blemishes. GIA grades F1 at the apex being flawless under 10 x magnifications. It’s followed by VVS1 & VVS2 (Very,Very Slightly Included),VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included),SI1 & SI2,and I1,I2 & I3 being the lowest. Grades SI2 and above are recommended. India ranks number one in the diamond business. Its share in diamond business is commendable in the world market being 60 per cent in value term,92 per cent in number of pieces and 85 per cent in terms of volume. With the year-on-year diamond sale escalating,I hope,the information benefits your purchasing decisions. Queries regarding coloured diamonds and certification are welcome.

(The writer is a city-based researcher specialising in jewellery art and can be contacted at sameeraahaan02@gmail.com)