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External Characteristics are Important
While focusing on the internal clarity of a diamond, one should be mindful of the diamond's external characteristics as well. Depending on their sizes, naturals, indented naturals, abrasions, and extra facets can play a significant role in the beauty and value of the diamond.
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I3 Diamonds
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These diamonds have very visible inclusions that may affect the stone’s durability and transparency.
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Avoid Large Inclusions
Higher quality diamonds have very few inclusions. For engagement purposes it would be advisable to avoid selecting diamonds that have large inclusions that can easily be seen with the unaided eye. Diamonds that have more inclusion than I3 level are considered "Rejection Class". These are diamonds so flawed that the GIA will not certify them.
Clarity Enhancement
In recent years, much of these Rejection Class diamonds have become candidates for Fracture Filling Clarity Enhancement procedures. This is a reversible process that uses inorganic fillers to artificially enhance the appearance of extremely poor quality diamonds that have large internal cracks and fissures. This treatment is very much like filling cracked windshields with chemical polymers to make the cracked fissures undetectable to the human eye. GIA only grades natural diamonds. They do not certify diamonds that are synthetic (man-made) or have been Clarity Enhanced.
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