Slightly Included 3 (SI3) Clarity Diamonds

The clarity of a diamond refers to the identification of characteristics on and within the diamond. While most clarity characteristics are inherent qualities of the rough diamond and have been present since the earliest stages of the diamond crystal's growth below ground, a few clarity flaws are actually a result of the harsh stress that a diamond undergoes during the cutting process itself.

A Slightly Included 3 (SI3) Diamond contains inclusions that are very easy to see with 10x magnification. Grading split between SI2 and I1.

There are five factors that are used in determining the overall Clarity of a diamond. These factors are size, number, position, nature and relief.

Size - Size has a lot to do with how easy it is to see a clarity characteristic. Generally, the larger and more visible a clarity characteristic is, the lower the diamond's clarity grade will be. In addition to affecting the grade, large inclusions might also threaten a diamond's integrity.

Number - More clarity characteristics can mean a lower grade, but grades are normally set by how readily you can see the characteristics, not by counting them.

Position - Inclusions are most visible when they're directly under the table. Inclusions under the crown facets or near the girdle are usually more difficult to see making it crucial to examine the stone from several angles to find all of its characteristics. The worst location for an inclusion is where it becomes a reflector. If it lies under the table and near the pavilion, the pavilion facets can act as mirrors and reflect multiple images of the inclusion. This can have a major effect on the grade if the reflections are visible in the face up position. The position of potentially damaging inclusions, such as feathers, large knots, and included crystals can also be significant. For example, a feather might get bigger. Normally, feathers won't grow during ordinary wear, and the mounting protects those that reach the pavilion, but feathers that extend to the girdle or crown-the exposed parts of the stone-might grow if the diamond strikes something hard enough. A central location increases an inclusions impact on a diamond's clarity grade. Inclusions located directly under the table affect the clarity grade of a diamond more than those located on the backside of the stone or under the facets.

Nature - The nature of a clarity characteristic determines whether the characteristic is an inclusion or a blemish and if it poses any risk to the stone's integrity. Generally, if a stone has durability problems, it doesn't survive the friction and pressure of the cutting process. The effect of an inclusion on durability is determined by its size and location.

Relief (Color) - Relief is the contrast between the inclusion and the stone. The greater the relief, the more it will affect the clarity grade. Although, most diamond inclusions are white or colorless, some are black, brown, dark red, or on the rare occasion, Green. Since colored inclusions are easier to see, they might lower the grade more than a colorless inclusion.

Internal Characteristics

Internal characteristics (irregularities) are called inclusions. Listed below are common internal irregularities:

Crystals - Crystals are minerals trapped inside a diamond.
Clouds - Clouds are hazy areas typically created by crystals too tiny to see under 10x magnification.
Feathers - Feathers are breaks in a stone.
Knots - Knots are diamond crystals that reach the surface of the diamond.
Cavities - Cavities are openings created when a crystal is pulled out, or when a feather breaks away.
Cleavage - Cleavage is a break that occurs along a plane of atomic weakness.
Bruise - A bruise is a tiny hole accompanied by tiny, root-like feathers.
Internal graining - Internal graining is the appearance of faint lines or streaks against a transparent background.
Needle - A needle is long thin included crystal that looks like a tiny rod.
Twinning Wisp - A twinning wisp is a flat or ribbon-like cloudy area inside the diamond.

External Characteristics

External characteristics, or surface irregularities, are called blemishes. Listed below are common external irregularities:

Abrasions - Abrasions are tiny nicks along the facet junctions producing white fuzzy lines instead of sharp facet edges.
Natural - Part of the original rough diamond's surface.
Nick - A nick is a small notch on the girdle or a facet edge that resembles a white dot with no apparent depth.
Pit - A pit is a tiny opening that resembles a white dot with no apparent depth.
Polish Lines - Polish lines are fine parallel grooves and ridges left on a gem's facet from polishing.
Polish Mark - A Polish mark is a whitish film on the surface of a facet from excessive heat during polishing.
Scratch - A scratch is a linear indentation normally seen as a fine white line, curved or straight, with no apparent depth.

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