2 - Clarity and Value

Question 1

Apparent clarity

Answer 1

A term used to describe the effects of treatments on the visual appeal of a gemstone

Question 2

Binocular microscope

Answer 2

A tabletop magnifier with two eyepieces

Question 3

Bruting

Answer 3

Forming the basic face-up outline of a round or rounded-shape diamond to prepare it for faceting.

Question 4

Fracture filling

Answer 4

Treatment that involves injecting a molten glass substance into a diamond’s surface-reaching feathers or laser-drill holes.

Question 5

Laser drilling

Answer 5

Treatment that involves using a concentrated beam of laser light to reach a diamond’s dark inclusions and to disguise or eliminate them.

Question 6

Loupe

Answer 6

A small, portable magnifying lens used for examining gemstones.

Question 7

Loupe clean

Answer 7

Term that describes a diamond that might have surface blemishes, but shows no inclusions under 10x magnification (U.S. term is IF)

Question 8

Manufacturer

Answer 8

An individual or company that cuts and polishes diamonds and colored stones.

Question 9

Pique

Answer 9

A general term for included stones.

Question 10

When do clarity characteristics appear?

Answer 10

Many are introduced during or after formation, but they can also be caused by the cutting or setting process.

Question 11

What magnification is standard for clarity grading?

Answer 11

10x

Question 12

What are they five clarity grading factors?

Answer 12

Size - obvious
Number - a high number of small inclusions can have less impact than a small number of large ones, especially reflectors
Location (Position) - inclusions are more visible in the heart (under the table) of the stone
Relief - inclusions with higher contrast with the diamond negatively affect clarity
Nature - optical vs physical irregularity; physical irregularities affect grade more

Question 13

What are the three types of break?

Answer 13

Cleavage, parting, and fracture

Question 14

What is another word for breaks, or, cleavage and fractures?

Answer 14

Feathers.

Question 15

How can a manufacturer mitigate clarity characteristics?

Answer 15

Cutting or polishing them away, sometimes creating an extra facet. They can also position the characteristic so that it is less visible.

Question 16

Bearding

Answer 16

Small feathers that extend from the surface of the girdle into the stone, arising as a result of bruting.

Question 17

What are the grades of the GIA Clarity System?

Answer 17

Flawless
Internally Flawless
VVS1 > VVS2
VS1 > VS2
S1 > S2
I1 > I2 > I3

Question 18

Flawless (GIA Grading System)

Answer 18

Show no inclusions or blemishes of any kind when examined under 10x magnification. Can still have extra facets, naturals, internal graining, or inscriptions, so long as they do not affect transparency or distort the outline.

Question 19

Internally Flawless (GIA Grading System)

Answer 19

Shows no inclusions when examined under 10x magnification, but has minor blemishes. Examples of small blemishes include surface graining, naturals, and extra facets.

Question 20

Very Very Slightly Included (GIA Grading System)

Answer 20

Contain minute inclusions that range from extremely difficult (VVS1) to very difficult (VVS2) to see at 10x magnification. Inclusions might include pinpoints, needles, internal graining, tiny feathers, and tiny chips

Question 21

Very Slightly Included (GIA Grading System)

Answer 21

Contain minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification. Typical inclusions include small crystals, distinct clouds, and small feathers (though all types possible.)

Question 22

Slightly Included (GIA Grading System)

Answer 22

Contain noticeable inclusions that are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see at 10x magnification. Typical inclusions might include crystals, feathers, clouds, and twinning wisps, but all are possible.

Question 23

Included (GIA Grading System)

Answer 23

Contain inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification. May contain large feathers or large included crystals. Inclusions in this category often affect transparency and brilliance.