How to choose the right clarity ?
To choose your diamond, experts refer to the 4 C’s, which are the universally accepted standards on which the stone is graded: Carat (the weight), Color (the absence of color), Clarity (the inclusions and blemishes in the diamond) and the Cut (how well the diamond facets interact with light).
The third criterion is Clarity. It refers to a characteristic called “inclusions” in the diamond, which are in some ways like “birthmarks”. They can be more or less present and visible. A diamond that has no visible inclusions is graded Flawless (IF), VVS1-VVS2 for Very Very Small Inclusions, where inclusions are hardly visible through a magnifying glass. Then, VS1-VS2, is for inclusions in the diamond that are visible under 10x magnification. This is the limit grade for Courbet’s diamonds clarity. Thereafter are the SI1-SI2 and SI3 for small inclusions which are easily visible through a magnifying glass. Finally, I1 - I2 - I3 for Imperfect, where inclusions are visible to the naked eye.
The fourth criterion is Cut, which refers to how well the diamond is cut. It is thus the only criterion on which human hands can have an impact on the diamond, by improving it or on the contrary, damage it. The diamond is a prism as it deflects and decomposes the light. By putting the diamond in a ray of sunlight, you will see all the colors of the rainbow coming out, as the diamond will have decomposed the light. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the cut of you diamond. They are graded Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. Courbet’s diamonds are graded above or equal to Very Good.