Clarity

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that develop as the stone forms in nature. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine the clarity of a diamond.

Whilst inclusions and blemishes do lower the clarity grade of a diamond, they’re also proof of a diamond's identity and are regarded as a diamond ‘fingerprint’. No two diamonds are exactly the same, and the inclusions in your diamond make it unique.

The most commonly accepted grading scale is the GIA Clarity Grading Scale.

• The clarity grade is based on what can be seen when the diamond is examined using 10x magnification.
• It ranges from a grade of FL/IF (flawless/internally flawless), to I3 (a high degree of inclusions or imperfections).
• A flawless and colourless diamond is extremely rare and priced proportionately much higher than any other grade.
• Most Argos diamonds are a minimum of I1 (inclusions visible with 10x magnification but not with the naked eye), or I2, (numerous inclusions visible to the naked eye).

Colour

The colour of a diamond is one of the major factors to consider because it's probably the most noticeable feature.

• The finest and most expensive diamonds are absolutely colourless.
• Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the GIA, which ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow).
• Each letter after D indicates increasing amounts of yellowish tint to the stone. The differences from one grade to the next can be very subtle.
• Most Argos diamonds are guaranteed colour J, which is near colourless on the grading scale.