Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades a gem- quality diamond’s clarity within 11 classes. Based on the experience and the opinion of the gemologist, this grading system is the most subjective assessment of a diamond’s rarity. FL–IF: No Inclusions Under 10x Magnification VVS1–VVS2: Minute Inclusions Under 10x Magnification VS1–VS2: Minor Inclusions Under 10x Magnification SI1-SI2: Noticeable Inclusions Under 10x Magnification I1–I2–I3: Obvious Inclusions Under 10x Magnification The clarity grade assigned to a diamond does not necessarily dictate the visibility of inclusions to the unaided eye. Some very slightly included grade diamonds have characteristics that may be noticed, while some diamonds in the slightly included grade show no signs of inclusions without the use of a microscope. When purchasing a diamond, it is important to have it visually assessed to ensure that no eye-noticeable inclusions exist that may distract from the diamond’s beauty. 17 Clarity: A Diamond's Identity When diamonds formed miles beneath the Earth’s crust, over millions of years, they encapsulated neighboring crystals into their own. These inclusions, or characteristics, became forever sealed within the world’s hardest substance. A diamond’s inclusions are its own unique identity. Because no two diamonds share the same exact inclusions, these characteristics help distinguish one gem from the next. This is how gemologists are able to identify your diamond from others, and how they are able to separate natural diamonds from synthetics or look-a-likes. Identifying inclusions, or grading a diamond’s clarity, requires the use of a microscope or jeweler’s loupe (10x magnifying glass). Most characteristics are invisible to the unaided eye, however, sometimes they can be seen by the intent observer depending on their size, shape, color or location within the diamond. 16 www.hlgross.com Visit Us Today - Schedule an Appt