| Determining which clarity of diamond to select can | | | | of comparable color and size, expect to pay |
| feel a bit like shopping for the Emperor's New | | | | upwards of $16,000.00. |
| Clothes. A diamond free from all natural inclusions | | | | Diamonds with a clarity grade of SI-2 or lower |
| will command a much higher price than one that | | | | may have natural characteristics that can be seen |
| shows the telltale signs of "nature's fingerprints." | | | | without the aid of magnification. If a flawless |
| The bottom line is, you will pay much more for | | | | diamond is beyond your budget, consider the |
| things you can't see! | | | | following: inclusions are observable evidence that |
| Flawless diamonds are very rare. Most diamonds | | | | you are buying a natural diamond. Clarity |
| will contain what experts call inclusions. These can | | | | characteristics can add personality to a diamond |
| be microscopic carbon crystals, tiny fissures in the | | | | and make it easy to identify. Not all clarity |
| crystal structure, or just a small pinpoint or cloudy | | | | characteristics are negatives. Imagine a gentleman |
| spot. Clarity is an important criterion in diamond | | | | rejecting Marilyn Monroe on account of the distinct |
| selection because internal inclusions may affect | | | | beauty mark on her face! |
| how the diamond reflects light back to the eye. | | | | Once you determine your budget, you will find an |
| Keep in mind that most clarity characteristics in | | | | enticing array of diamonds to choose from. |
| stones graded SI-1 or higher will only be visible | | | | Understanding how clarity affects a diamond's |
| under magnification. Still, a one and a half carat | | | | price and performance will give you the necessary |
| diamond of good color with only slightly visible | | | | knowledge to make a smart diamond and |
| internal inclusions may sell for | | | | engagement ring buying decision, one you will be |
| $10,000.00-$12,000.00. But if you are lucky | | | | happy with for years to come. |
| enough to find even an internally flawless diamond | | | | |