What Is Diamond Clarity?
The fewer visible imperfections a diamond has, the higher its diamond clarity rating. Clarity is one of the 4Cs of diamonds, with a diamond clarity scale that showcases how free of blemishes an individual diamond is.
The diamond clarity scale focuses on visible flaws above all else, as some flaws are so small that they can’t be seen with the unaided eye. Surface flaws are called blemishes, while internal characteristics are known as inclusions. In most cases, a diamond’s beauty is not affected by these in any way since many blemishes and inclusions can’t be seen without considerable magnification. Many jewelry settings, such as the prongs of engagement rings, can also help mask some blemishes and inclusions.
When referring to inclusions, gemologists often use the term “internal characteristics” instead of flaws. Internal characteristics are what give a diamond its character. It’s also important to note that diamonds with the fewest and smallest inclusions receive the highest clarity grades—and higher price tags to reflect that.
Remember, all diamonds are unique, not perfect. They are made through enormous pressure and heat. Natural inclusions and blemishes are inevitable.
The Diamond Clarity Scale Spans 11 Clarity Grades
Diamond
clarity is independently graded along a scale of 11 different grade
types, from slightly included diamonds to flawless diamonds.
Because
clarity is a leading factor in the value of diamonds, the diamond
clarity grading chart was standardized in 1953 when Richard T. Liddicoat
and colleagues established the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
diamond grading system and diamond clarity scale. The GIA diamond
grading scale is divided into 6 categories and 11 diamond clarity
grades.
Assuming
all the other diamond gradings are the same, a diamond positioned
higher on the diamond grading chart will carry higher value than more
included diamonds. For example, SI diamonds will have a lower price than
VVS diamonds. This is because the inclusions seen in slightly included
diamonds are more visible than those in very very slightly included
diamonds. Many of the inclusions seen in diamonds are only visible under
magnification, and the GIA report of a specific diamond will indicate
how visible its blemishes or inclusions may be.
At
Blue Nile, we do not carry loose diamonds that are rated as included.
You will not find loose gems with diamond clarity I1, diamond clarity I2
or diamond clarity I3. You can learn more about the different diamond
clarity ratings below.
I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds
• I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
• Blue Nile does not sell I clarity grade loose diamonds for engagement ring designs
• Blue Nile does offer a limited selection of jewelry preset with I1 diamonds
SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds
• Inclusions are noticeable at 10x magnification
• If eye clean, SI diamonds are often the best value
• SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side
VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds
• Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification
• Great value; Blue Nile’s most popular diamond clarity
VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds
• VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification
• VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance
• Characteristics are minuscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye
Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds
• Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope on IF diamonds
• IF diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics set the grade
• Visually eye clean
Flawless (FL) Diamonds
• No internal or external characteristics
• Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity
• A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions