DIAMOND CLARITY Meaning and
Definition
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Diamond clarity refers to one of the four main characteristics that determine the overall quality and value of a diamond. Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes respectively, which can affect the brilliance and transparency of the diamond.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most widely recognized authority in diamond grading and uses a comprehensive clarity grading scale to classify diamonds. This scale consists of several categories, ranging from "Flawless" (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to "Included" (inclusions and blemishes visible to the naked eye).
Diamond clarity is determined by the size, number, type, and location of inclusions and blemishes within the stone. Inclusions often include tiny crystals, feathers, or other minerals trapped inside the diamond during its formation, while blemishes can be scratches, chips, or abrasions that occur during cutting or polishing.
The clarity grade of a diamond has a significant impact on its price, with the most flawless diamonds being the most valuable. However, it is important to note that most inclusions and blemishes are often invisible to the naked eye, so the clarity grade may not significantly impact the diamond's overall appearance.
Diamond clarity plays a crucial role in assessing a diamond's quality and determining its potential for brilliance and durability. A higher clarity grade generally indicates a rarer and more valuable diamond, although the importance of clarity in the overall beauty of a diamond may vary depending on personal preferences and the other three Cs of diamond grading (carat weight, color, and cut).
Etymology of DIAMOND CLARITY
The word "diamond" originates from the Latin word "adamantem" which means "unconquerable" or "indestructible". It was later borrowed into Old French as "diamant" and eventually entered Middle English as "dyamond".
On the other hand, "clarity" comes from the Latin word "clarus" meaning "clear" or "bright". It made its way into Old French as "clarté" and then entered Middle English as "clartie". Over time, it evolved into the modern English word "clarity".
The combination of these two words, "diamond clarity", is typically used to describe the clearness or transparency of a diamond, referring to its lack or presence of internal or external flaws and inclusions.
