When shopping for a diamond, “Flawless“ (F) and “Internally Flawless“ (IF) clarity often appear, promising the peak of desirability. But what exactly do these terms mean, and how do they affect your choice? This article will demystify these classifications, helping you understand the key differences and make an informed decision.
A Flawless diamond represents the pinnacle of diamond clarity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades a diamond as Flawless when it shows no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. This level of purity is exceedingly rare, making Flawless diamonds highly sought after and often more expensive.
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Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds come incredibly close to being Flawless but have minor surface blemishes when examined under 10x magnification. These blemishes are external and can sometimes be removed by further polishing. Internally Flawless diamonds do not have inclusions that are visible at this magnification, making them nearly perfect.
The primary difference between Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds lies in the presence of surface blemishes.
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Both Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are rare, but Flawless diamonds are even less common. According to industry statistics, less than 1% of all diamonds mined are graded as Flawless, making them a remarkable find. Internally Flawless diamonds are slightly more common but still represent a small fraction of natural polished diamonds.
Image Source: Whiteflash
For the unaided eye, distinguishing between a Flawless and an Internally Flawless diamond is challenging. The differences in clarity can generally only be seen under magnification by skilled graders. This means that for most practical and aesthetic purposes, both grades offer exceptional clarity and brilliance when shopping for diamonds to set in an engagement ring or jewelry.
Image Source: American Gem Society (AGS)
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The choice between a Flawless and an Internally Flawless diamond often comes down to budget and personal preference. If you desire the absolute best in terms of clarity and are willing to invest in this rarity, a Flawless diamond may be for you. However, an Internally Flawless diamond is just as eye-clean and might provide better value.
Both Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds hold excellent investment value due to their rarity and high demand. However, as investments, these diamonds are typically recommended for collectors or those who appreciate the art of gemology, as the market for such high-clarity stones can be niche.
Understanding the differences between Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds allows you to make a choice that aligns with your desires and expectations. Both Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds exude remarkable brilliance, making them exceptional choices for anyone looking to invest in a significant piece of jewelry.
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