Price. The difference is clear.

Clarity refers to the tiny, naturally occurring imperfections present in all but the rarest and highest quality diamonds. Internal imperfections are usually known as inclusions and external imperfections as blemishes.

Inclusions are extremely common: they are essentially the fingerprint that makes every diamond unique. No two will ever have the same number, size, location and type of inclusions.

The fewer inclusions and blemishes, the better the clarity. The better the clarity, the more breathtaking the sparkle. And let’s face it, that’s what we’re here for.

If you’ve been looking at Montluc in any detail, you won’t be surprised to know that we select only the most pure and most perfect diamonds possible.

Our diamonds above 0.20ct all meet the very top grade: Flawless.

A Flawless (FL) diamond is free from blemishes on both the inside and the surface. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare with less than 0.1% of all gem quality diamonds qualifying. Every Montluc diamond above 0.20ct falls into this most sought after category, so you can rest assured you’re buying the very, very best.

Our diamonds under 0.20ct all meet the highest clarity gradings supplies allow, from Flawless to VVS2.

Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds show zero inclusions, even under 10x magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) grade diamonds show only the most minute inclusions – even under 10x magnification and even then you have to be an expert to spot them. They do not compromise the brilliance in any way.

So even our smaller diamonds are as clear as sources allow.

Ø  Open chart over 0.20
Ø  Open chart under 0.20

Average price (USD) per carat.
Source: Statista 2018

How is Clarity graded?

Diamond clarity is graded using the globally accepted scale created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This scale ranges from FL – I3.

The clarity grade of a diamond indicates the number of blemishes and inclusions. Yet because these imperfections tend to be so microscopic, they do not generally affect a diamond’s beauty in any discernible way.

Inclusions are examined at 10x magnification and, up to a certain range, even then can only be identified by a diamond expert. Those in the lower ranges (places unknown to Montluc) will be more visible to the naked eye.

Once the inclusions on the diamond have been mapped out, a diamond plot records their size and location on a sketch of the diamond face-up. This plot is shown on the GIA certificate or dossier.

 

We have done the work for you

The differences between grades of clarity are larger than those between grades of colour, because the GIA scale is smaller. These differences are, in turn, reflected in a diamond’s value.

Diamonds that attain the very highest clarity grades—diamonds like those used by Montluc—are more rare and so they are more valuable.

That means it is important to take account of the diamond clarity regardless of the size and shape of the diamond. Luckily, Montluc has already done the hard work for you.

 

Next: What’s does carat actually mean?