Internally flawless (IF) diamonds are just as rare and precious as flawless ones. They are also usually just as pricey. As with a flawless diamond, an internally flawless diamond can only be identified by a skilled professional.
However, unlike its flawless counterpart, an internally flawless diamond may appear flawed on the outside with blemishes on the surface on the stone. Special equipment and further examination are needed to decide if an outwardly blemished gem still classifies as IF.
Diamonds are chosen and loved because of their beauty, but their value is important too. When you are armed with the information that determines how much a diamond costs, you can make an educated choice that suits both your style and your budget.
In terms of clarity, knowing what classifies as an IF diamond (Internally Flawless) will benefit you in your search.
Inclusions and blemishes determine a diamond’s clarity grade, but what are they? A natural diamond is created by tremendous heat and pressure within the earth that cause carbon atoms to form together and take shape.
Throughout this process, the diamond takes on certain characteristics that affect its appearance. Internal characteristics are called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics are called ‘blemishes.’
Inclusions are actually small crystals that become trapped in a diamond and can grow and change as it forms, sometimes even becoming a diamond within a diamond.
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. FL/IF stones have a complete absence of those characteristics.
Because diamonds undergo extreme conditions during formation over billions of years, diamonds are bound to have imperfections, even small ones.
A flawless diamond still isn’t 100% pure and will have inclusions, but you need 60X or even 100X magnification to see them. A professional gemologist looks at the diamond under 60X magnification to determine if it’s flawless.
