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Diamond Clarity

Clarity is an important factor in diamond quality and price. Discover the details of inclusions and blemishes to select the best clarity grade for you.
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What is Diamond Clarity?

While clarity significantly influences a diamond’s worth, it’s worth noting that most of these imperfections remain imperceptible to the naked eye. During its formation, natural microscopic traits can become enclosed within or appear on the diamond’s surface. Diamond clarity pertains to the inherent purity and rarity of the gemstone, as well as the extent to which it showcases imperfections and inclusions. Gemologists meticulously evaluate these internal and external features using 10x magnification and a qualitative grading system to assign a numerical value, which is known as the clarity grade, to each diamond.

The clarity grade rises as the number of imperfections and flaws affecting the diamond’s visual appeal decreases. It’s essential to understand that no diamond can ever be entirely flawless, but the closer it comes to purity, the clearer it appears. Diamonds that exhibit little to no inclusions are exceedingly rare and hold a high market value.

Slightly included 2. Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with an unaided eye. More inclusions than SI1.

Slightly included 1. Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, but may not be very visible with an unaided eye.

Very slightly included 2. Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. Typically cannot see inclusions with the naked eye. Slightly more inclusions than VS1.

Very slightly included 1. Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. Typically cannot see inclusions with the naked eye.

Very very slightly included 2. Very difficult to see under 10x magnification. Slightly more inclusions than VVS1.

Very very slightly included 1. Very difficult to see under 10x magnification.

Internally Flawless. No internal flaws.

Flawless with no internal or external flaws. Extremely rare and valuable.

Determining Clarity Grades and the Diamond Clarity Scale

The process of determining diamond clarity involves a comprehensive examination of the number, dimensions, visibility, category, and placement of microscopic traits within the diamond, as well as their impact on its visual appearance. Skilled gemologists employ a 10x magnification method to identify and categorize these clarity characteristics based on their dimensions, characteristics, and positions.

Subsequently, these features are graphically represented on what is referred to as a ‘diamond plot,’ a unique visual representation for each individual diamond. Accredited gemological laboratories like GIA and IGI employ a scale that ranges from ‘Included’ to ‘Flawless’ to gauge and communicate the clarity levels of diamonds.

Diamond Clarity Grading

When assessing diamond clarity, it’s crucial to understand the various grades:

FL/IF

Flawless/Internally Flawless
These FL/IF diamonds with a flawless rating, any visible marks are likely to be dust particles. If there is a detection inclusion inside the diamond, it would immediately drop to a lower grade.

VVS1

Very Very Slightly Included 1
VVS1 diamonds contain pinpoint inclusions that are nearly imperceptible without a powerful microscope. A regular photograph, even when enlarged, can only detect a single depth level.

VVS2

Very Very Slightly Included 2

VVS2 diamonds have inclusions that are often a collection of smaller spots akin to VVS1, making up the VVS2 grade. These individual dots are too minuscule to be seen through a professional loupe, necessitating the use of a powerful microscope.

VS1/VS2

Very Slightly Included 1

VS1/VS2 diamonds have inclusions that can be observed with a jeweler’s loupe. Nevertheless, they are still quite small and typically remain invisible to the naked eye.

SI1

Slightly Included 1
An SI1-rated diamond usually results from various distinct inclusion spots rather than a single focused inclusion. In most cases, these grades consist of clouds of tiny dots and numerous small spots, each individually imperceptible to the naked eye.

SI2

Slightly Included 2

SI2 diamonds have inclusions that are frequently apparent without magnification. These minuscule inclusions are visible to the naked eye based on specific cut and dimensions.

Varieties of Diamond Inclusions

When examining diamond clarity, various types of inclusions come into play. Here are some of the most common inclusion types, each with its unique characteristics:

Graining

These inclusions result from uneven crystal growth, forming internal lines that can be white, colored, or reflective causing a hazy appearance in the diamond.

Cloud

Instead of a single imperfection, a cloud comprises numerous minuscule pinpoints coupled together, potentially creating a “cloudy appearance” and degrading the diamond’s shine.

Feather

A feather refers to a small internal fracture in the diamond. It varies depending on the angle of observation, appearing translucent or giving the diamond a “feather-like” appearance when it catches the light.

Cavity

The appearance of cavities varies based on the minerals contained within the diamond. If the inclusions inside the cavity are colored, they become more conspicuous and may even be visible to the naked eye.

FAQ on Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity refers to the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) or external imperfections (blemishes) within a diamond. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). The higher the clarity grade, the fewer and less visible these imperfections are, contributing to the diamond’s overall beauty and value.
Clarity can affect a diamond’s appearance, particularly when inclusions or blemishes are large or centrally located. However, many diamonds with lower clarity grades can still appear beautiful, especially if the inclusions are small, white, or located near the edges. In many cases, clarity is less important than other factors like cut, which has a more significant impact on the diamond’s sparkle and brilliance.
“Eye-clean” refers to a diamond that has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye when viewed from a normal distance (typically around 6-12 inches). Eye-clean diamonds may still have inclusions, but these are only visible under magnification. Diamonds in the VS1 to SI1 clarity range are often considered eye-clean, offering a great balance between appearance and value.
Whether clarity characteristics are noticeable to the naked eye depends on the clarity grade of the diamond. In general, diamonds graded VS2 and above have inclusions that are difficult or impossible to see without magnification. SI1 and SI2 diamonds may have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, but these can often be masked by the diamond’s brilliance or the setting. Inclusions in I1 and lower grades are more likely to be noticeable without magnification.
The best clarity grade for lab-grown diamonds is typically in the VS1 to VS2 range. These diamonds have very slight inclusions that are difficult to detect even under 10x magnification and are rarely visible to the naked eye. This range offers a high-quality appearance without the premium price of Flawless or Internally Flawless grades. If budget allows, opting for a higher grade like VVS1 or VVS2 can ensure virtually no inclusions are visible, even under magnification.

Certain diamond shapes can be more forgiving of clarity imperfections, making inclusions less noticeable:

Brilliant Cuts (Round, Oval, Marquise, Pear, and Heart): These cuts have many facets and intense sparkle, which can help mask inclusions.

Princess Cut: The princess cut’s sharp corners and brilliant faceting pattern can also hide inclusions well.

Cushion Cut: Cushion cuts have a slightly rounded shape with many facets, which can help diffuse light and reduce the visibility of inclusions.

On the other hand, step cuts like Emerald and Asscher have large, open facets that can make inclusions more noticeable, so higher clarity grades are often preferred for these shapes.

Clarity is one of the factors that influence a diamond’s value. Higher clarity grades, particularly Flawless and Internally Flawless, command higher prices due to their rarity. However, diamonds with lower clarity grades (VS2 to SI2) can offer excellent value, especially if they are eye-clean. For most buyers, an eye-clean diamond provides a visually appealing option without the premium price of higher clarity grades.
While Flawless clarity grades represent the pinnacle of diamond clarity, they are not always necessary to achieve a beautiful diamond. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and command a premium price. For most people, a diamond with a clarity grade of VS1 or VS2 will appear just as stunning as a Flawless diamond to the naked eye. Unless you place a high value on rarity and perfection, a slightly lower clarity grade can offer better value without compromising appearance.
Yes, the way a diamond is set can help hide clarity imperfections. Prongs, bezels, and other setting elements can be strategically placed to cover or distract from inclusions. For example, a prong setting might cover a small inclusion near the diamond’s edge, making it less noticeable. Additionally, settings that maximize light reflection, like halo or pavé settings, can draw attention away from minor clarity issues.