2 - Clarity and Value Flashcards
Apparent clarity
A term used to describe the effects of treatments on the visual appeal of a gemstone
Binocular microscope
A tabletop magnifier with two eyepieces
Bruting
Forming the basic face-up outline of a round or rounded-shape diamond to prepare it for faceting.
Fracture filling
Treatment that involves injecting a molten glass substance into a diamond’s surface-reaching feathers or laser-drill holes.
Laser drilling
Treatment that involves using a concentrated beam of laser light to reach a diamond’s dark inclusions and to disguise or eliminate them.
Loupe
A small, portable magnifying lens used for examining gemstones.
Loupe clean
Term that describes a diamond that might have surface blemishes, but shows no inclusions under 10x magnification (U.S. term is IF)
Manufacturer
An individual or company that cuts and polishes diamonds and colored stones.
Pique
A general term for included stones.
When do clarity characteristics appear?
Many are introduced during or after formation, but they can also be caused by the cutting or setting process.
What magnification is standard for clarity grading?
10x
What are they five clarity grading factors?
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
What are the three types of break?
Cleavage, parting, and fracture
What is another word for breaks, or, cleavage and fractures?
Feathers.
How can a manufacturer mitigate clarity characteristics?
Cutting or polishing them away, sometimes creating an extra facet. They can also position the characteristic so that it is less visible.
Bearding
Small feathers that extend from the surface of the girdle into the stone, arising as a result of bruting.
What are the grades of the GIA Clarity System?
Flawless
Internally Flawless
VVS1 > VVS2
VS1 > VS2
S1 > S2
I1 > I2 > I3
Flawless (GIA Grading System)
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.
Internally Flawless (GIA Grading System)
Shows no inclusions when examined under 10x magnification, but has minor blemishes. Examples of small blemishes include surface graining, naturals, and extra facets.
Very Very Slightly Included (GIA Grading System)
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
Very Slightly Included (GIA Grading System)
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.)
Slightly Included (GIA Grading System)
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.
Included (GIA Grading System)
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.
