Diamond Clarity
What is Diamond Clarity? Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of imperfections, often known as inclusions and blemishes, within a diamond. Inclusions are internal flaws, while blemishes are external imperfections. These natural characteristics are like a diamond's unique fingerprint, determining its individuality and influencing its visual appeal.
In short: Diamond clarity grades inclusions and blemishes on an 11-step scale — FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3 — at 10x magnification under standardized lighting. VS2 and SI1 are the sweet spots for US engagement rings: typically eye-clean, with savings of 20-40% versus VVS grades. Inclusion location matters — a feather under the table is more visible than one near the girdle.
The Clarity Scale: From Flawless to Included Diamond clarity is assessed on a standardized scale developed by gemological organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The scale ranges from Flawless (no visible imperfections under 10x magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye). Each category within the scale, including Internally Flawless, Very, Slightly, Slightly, and Included, contributes to the diamond's overall clarity grade.
Why Does Clarity Matter? Diamond clarity significantly impacts a stone's brilliance, sparkle, and overall aesthetic appeal. A diamond with higher clarity often exhibits more brilliance as light can pass through the stone without obstruction. Understanding the clarity of a diamond is crucial when selecting the perfect gem for an engagement ring, necklace, or any other exquisite jewelry piece.
How is Clarity Assessed? Certified gemologists employ advanced techniques, including magnification and specialized lighting, to assess a diamond's clarity. These experts carefully examine the diamond's internal and external characteristics, documenting any imperfections that may influence its overall grade. The resulting clarity grade serves as a benchmark for the diamond's quality and value.
CLARITY GRADES
Diamond clarity is graded based on a number of attributes relating to the blemishes and inclusions that impact the stone, including their overall visibility, position, number, size, and nature. Gemological laboratories have different grade systems, but under the GIA, diamonds are ranked from Internally Flawless (IF) and Flawless (FL), which is a diamond that does not have any inclusions, to the lowest grading, which is Included (I3).
CLARITY ENHANCEMENTS
Imperfections in clarity can often be ‘fixed’ via the process of filling the cracks or fractures with molten glass. This is not a solution that can be applied to all diamonds. However, it is an option that appeals to some people, and it can lower the price of the diamond. We will reveal the advantages and disadvantages of these diamonds in this section.
DIAMOND INCLUSIONS & BLEMISHES
Diamond blemishes and inclusions are the two factors that impact a diamond’s clarity. There are many different types of inclusions and blemishes, as you will discover in this section. However, in general terms, a blemish is a flaw that impacts the surface of the stone while inclusions are foreign material, usually diamond crystals, that formed within the diamond.
EXPERT ADVICE: EYE-CLEAN DIAMONDS
Eye clean diamonds basically relate to diamonds that do not feature any inclusions to the naked eye. This is what most people are interested in. They don’t want to buy a diamond that has evident blemishes. However, they don’t want to be forced into spending higher sums of money when the inclusions can only be seen under magnification.
