The 4Cs can be used to easily help you decide on the best diamond. The 4Cs comprise the cut of the stone, its color, clarity and carat. If you understand how promise couple rings diamond quality is affected by the grading system, it will help you choose the right stone within your budget.

 Generally speaking the better the stone grades in each one of these categories the rarer and worthier it becomes. These matching jewelry stones are rare and very expensive. Diamond cut has the biggest impact on the ability of a stone to sparkle and shine. The poor cut of a diamond can make it appear dull and lifeless, even if the diamond is of high quality. Diamond color is next, with the rarest flawless diamonds having no color or hues visible. The carat measurement is the weight and size of a stone. Clarity is assessed to find out if there are any flaws in the stone.

 Together, these factors impact both the value and the quality of a stone - whether it is a real diamond matching necklaces for couples or simulated in a laboratory. It is the combination of these factors that will determine the cost of a particular stone. However, you can still find an attractive diamond within your budget. The four main factors of diamond clarity are important to understand so that you can find the diamond or alternative for your needs.

 What is Diamond Clarity?

 Diamond clarity grading is simply the assessment of any imperfections on the surface, or visible inclusions within the stone. To gain a deeper understanding of the clarity in diamonds, you should answer the question: How are diamonds made.

 Diamonds can have defects because they are formed from carbon in the deep earth under tremendous pressure and heat. This includes surface irregularities (also known as "blemishes") and internal flaws (also known as "diamond inclusions"). Because most stones have microscopic flaws and inclusions which are not visible to the naked eyes, diamond clarity is a less important factor in purchasing a gemstone. Clarity, then, is really the assessment of their relative absence.

 Blemishes consist of scratches and nicks. Inclusions however, are more complex. Although they tend to be on the inside surface of the stone, they may sometimes penetrate the surface. Some inclusions may be small diamonds or mineral crystals which are trapped inside the diamond when it is formed. Depending on the locati0n of these inclusions, they may remain in the stone, and affect its appearance. It is a combination of factors that can make a stone sparkle.

 Diamond Clarity Chart

 The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, developed the now widely-accepted standard for determining diamond grade clarity. The scale has eleven different clarity grades that are divided into 6 categories. In order to evaluate a diamond's overall clarity, a gemologist needs to know the number, size of blemishes, the relief, the nature and the position of these inclusions. There are flaws in every diamond, but they can be difficult to see by the average person. It is important to have an expert assess the clarity of a stone, since the value of a diamond increases the closer it gets to perfection. Below is the GIA's chart of six categories.

 Flawless

 When you find a Flawless diamond, it's like finding an uncut diamond. Flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions. FL diamonds have an extraordinary level of perfection that is only found in 1% or less of all diamonds. It represents the pinnacle for diamond clarity.

 Internally flawless (IF)

 While Internally Flawless(IF) diamonds are less elusive than their Flawless counterparts they still draw admiration for the exceptional clarity. The brilliance is not affected by inclusions when viewed at 10x magnification. Minor blemishes are visible. IFs are a testimony to the craftsmanship and high quality of IFs that captivate the discerning eye.

 Very, Very Small Included

 VVS diamonds are characterized by inclusions so small that they can even be seen under 10x magnifying glass. The VVS category is characterized by subtlety. Inclusions in VVS1 are nearly invisible, and those in VVS2 are slightly more visible. Together, these grades show the clarity and precision achieved through expertise.

 Very Slightly Included (VS),

 In the Very Slightly Included realm (VS), which encompasses both VS1 & VS2, diamonds have minor inclusions. These can be seen under a magnifying glass of 10x. While VS1s have a higher clarity than VS2s on average, both grades are a great balance of affordability and quality. VS diamonds become popular, combining both clarity and affordability.

 Slightly Included (SI)

 Slightly Inclusion (SI) Diamonds are comprised of SI1 or SI2 and have inclusions more noticeable. These can be seen under a 10x magnifier by the expert grader. SI1 diamonds will show their inclusions in a variety of ways, including without magnification. These diamonds offer a compromise that strikes a perfect balance between aesthetic perfection and affordability, appealing to both those who seek quality and value.

 Included

 Included (I1) clarity grades, I1, II, and III, represent the last tier. They house diamonds with obvious inclusions. Skilled graders will be able to easily detect these imperfections, even without magnification. In certain cases, inclusions could affect a diamond's transparency or brilliance. These diamonds may be more affordable but are also less flawless. For those who value affordability, this is a great option.