Diamond Clarity

Diamond Clarity

Clarity is a measure of the number and size of the tiny imperfections that occur in almost all diamonds. Many of these imperfections are microscopic, and do not affect a diamond's beauty in any discernible way. Diamond clarity is a term used to describe the absence or presence of flaws inside or on the surface of a diamond or other gemstone. A perfect stone with perfect clarity, or clearness, is rare, and most flaws that do exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at the gems through a jeweler's magnifying loupe. Clarity simply refers to the tiny, natural imperfections that occur in all but the finest diamonds. Gemologists refer to these imperfections by a variety of technical names, including blemishes and inclusions, among others. Diamonds with the least and smallest imperfections receive the highest clarity grades. Because these imperfections tend to be microscopic, they do not generally affect a diamond's beauty in any discernible way.

Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures. These are formed while diamonds are created in the earth. They appear as tiny crystals, clouds or feathers under a jeweler’s magnifying loupe. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x by a trained gemologist. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.




Diamond Clarity

Flawless - These stones have no imperfections inside or on the outside of the stone under the magnification of a loupe of 10 power.

Internally Flawless - No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.

VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x agnification. An excellent quality diamond.

VS1, VS2 - Inclusions are typically not visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades. Even properly graded VS2 diamonds can have visible inclusions in very large sizes or diamonds that do not have many facets which make flaws more visible such as an emerald shape.

SI1, SI2 - These stones have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under a loupe with a 10 power magnification, or visible to the naked eye. Some SI clarity diamonds do have visible inclusions and should be evaluated carefully. SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are not always visible to the open eyes and prices are reasonable when compared to prices of the VS2 clarity and up grades.

SI3 - Outside of the GIA Diamond clarity scale is a grade you may have seen called SI3. It is an EGL grade and is not recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions. The SI3 clarity grade has been adopted by other labs as well. Naturally an SI3 clarity grade would usually be given an I1 grade by the GIA.

I1 - These stones have inclusions which range from eye visible to very easily seen to the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious. Overall the diamond should still look nice however I1 clarity grades vary quite a bit so one should be very careful when making a selection. If your pocket allows for an SI3 or I1 clarity diamond, be sure to test it thoroughly before purchasing and make sure the inclusions do not detract from the overall beauty of the diamond.

I2, I3 - These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the open eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and/or appear very cloudy or milky from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.










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