![]() ![]() While clarity grade is important, it’s not the only factor for evaluating a diamond’s imperfections. The location, type, size and quantity of imperfections all impact the clarity grade it’s given. Ranging from best to worst, the GIA grades diamonds as:Ī diamond’s clarity tells you whether or not imperfections like blemishes and inclusions are present in the diamond. Outside of FL and IF grades, there’s an entire diamond clarity chart. ![]() If you want to select a diamond specifically for your personal needs (budget, shape and setting style), check it out here. Ringo will also filter for other parameters like making sure the diamond is well-cut, doesn’t have fluorescence issues and will match the style setting you choose. We have recently developed Ringo, a patented artificial intelligence model, that can examine videos of diamonds and determine if they are eye-clean. We use “eye-clean” to describe diamonds that may have inclusions if you look at them with a magnifying glass (or microscope or loupe), but the typical person can’t see the inclusion with their naked eye. In our opinion, a consumer’s goal should be to find the cheapest (in regards to clarity other factors matter as well) “eye-clean” diamond you can find. While this article addresses the technical grading and value of FL & IF clarity diamonds, that is not what we recommend focusing on when purchasing a diamond. An exceptionally cut diamond reflects white and colored light-making it a truly eye-catching stone. The quality of the diamond’s cut impacts the beauty and brilliance of your diamond more than any other aspect. You’re far better off spending more of your budget on cut quality. Is that how you’ll be looking at your diamond? Probably not, so it’s simply not worth the price tag. IF and FL diamonds can only be identified under 60X or 100X magnification by an expert. With all other qualities being the same, the IF diamond costs $1,199 more. For example, this 1.06 carat round cut H/VS2 diamond from Blue Nile costs $5,804, while this 1.09 Carat IF diamond in H color also from Blue Nile costs $7,003. The price difference is $1,958-a whopping 25% more.įrom a clarity standpoint, lower graded eye-clean diamonds will look identical to flawless diamonds but costs thousands of dollars less. For instance, this 1.00 carat round cut FL diamond, F color from Blue Nile costs $9,791 while this 1.01 carat round cut IF diamond, F color diamond also from Blue Nile costs $7,833. FL & IF Diamond Pricesīecause of their rarity, FL diamonds cost anywhere from 25-35% more than IF diamonds. Even trained professionals can have a difficult time distinguishing the two. Without the help of magnification and a professional gemologist’s eye, no one can tell the difference between FL and IF diamonds. An IF diamond, for instance, might have surface graining, extra facets or minor polish marks. The biggest difference is that unlike flawless diamonds, internally flawless diamonds have slight surface blemishes. When FL and IF diamonds are viewed under 10x magnification, no imperfections are noticeable. IF Clarity Diamond FL vs IF Diamonds – What’s the Difference?įL and IF diamonds are next to each other on the clarity scale, with FL being the highest grading. Flawless diamonds represent less than a half percent of all diamonds on the market. It’s the highest clarity grade and the rarest type of diamond clarity. What is an FL diamond?Īn FL (flawless) clarity diamond like this one from Blue Nile shows no inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification. To read more about our process for secret shopping and reviewing companies and additional details about how we operate, check out this article. Mike is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more. This has given him a unique perspective on what information truly helps our readers in their quest for finding the perfect diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry. Mike Fried has written hundreds of articles and helped answer more than 30,000 emails from our readers. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. ![]()
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