How does clarity determine the value of my diamonds?

Clarity is one of the many important factors that determine the value of a ring. Clarity is determined by the characteristics of internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) characteristics. These characteristics occur when a diamond is formed naturally. The less characteristics a diamond has, the higher its value.

Diamond Clarity Grading System
The clarity rating of a diamond is an important quality factor when it comes to pricing used diamonds. The GIA International Diamond Grading System™ is used to classify diamonds based on their characteristics. The following grades are part of GIA’s Grading System:

• Flawless (FL) – No blemishes or inclusions under 10x magnification.
• Internally Flawless (IF) – No inclusions under 10x magnification.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS₁ and VVS₂) – Inclusions difficult to see under 10x magnification.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Minor inclusions with effort under 10x magnification.
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Inclusions under 10x magnification.
• Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Inclusions evident under 10x magnification, alter transparency and brilliance.

Used diamonds with high clarity and no visible flaws are the most valuable. Flawless and Very Slightly Included diamonds are the most valuable clarity ratings. Very, Very Slightly Included and Flawless clarity ratings are more commonly seen on display in museums, not on fingers and earlobes. In America, consumers usually trade off clarity for a larger diamond, a better cut, or a high color rating.

Clarity’s Important When You Sell Diamonds
It is very common for the diamond jewelry buyers at DeSumma and Wexler to come across Slightly Included clarity (SI1, SI2) and Very Slightly Included clarity (VS) rather than Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) and Flawless (FL) diamonds.  We will inspect any diamond, regardless of its clarity rating.  No matter what clarity your used diamond may be, we will give you the best advice and most competitive price accordingly.

The clarity of a diamond can sometimes be a tricky aspect in determining the prices of diamonds, which is why when selecting where to sell your used diamonds, it is important that you select a respectable and knowledgeable firm that knows how to inspect diamonds properly.  A diamond’s clarity grade on paper can be dramatically different once the diamond is viewed in person under 10x magnification.  Grading a diamond’s clarity is quite subjective, which causes clarity grades to sometimes vary from diamond to diamond, even when they appear to be very similar.  For example, you can have two diamonds rated at an SI2 in clarity.  One diamond can have a large black inclusion in the center of the diamond, making the flaw very obvious under 10x magnification and even to the naked eye.  Another diamond rated identically as an SI2 can have a white flaw towards the edge of the diamond.  Because of the diamond’s color and position of the inclusion, this would be very difficult to see under magnification and most likely impossible to see to the naked eye.  In this example, if upon comparison of the two diamonds, everything remained equal in regards to the weight, quality, and certification, the SI2 clarity grade with the white inclusion positioned off of the edge of the diamond will be more valuable than the latter.

Where to Sell Diamonds in the Philadelphia Area
DeSumma and Wexler is the best place to sell diamonds and jewelry, no matter the diamond’s clarity rating.  We are one of the few stores on Jewelers' Row where you can either get cash for your used diamond jewelry, or sell your diamond jewelry on consignment.  From engagement rings, wedding rings, and other types of used diamond jewelry, we inspect each piece and offer you the best price for your jewelry.