Diamond Clarity Education: What You Should Know

Perfect diamonds are the ones that are given in love - because almost all diamonds include slight imperfections in clarity. Called “inclusions,” these imperfections can be seen as tiny white points, dark dots or feathery cracks. When viewed under a jeweler’s 10x magnifying loupe or microscope, they often appear to be crystals, tiny rivers or clouds. Another kind of imperfection, “blemishes” appear as surface irregularities.

An important factor in determining a diamond’s value, clarity is graded by evaluating the number, size, type and location of inclusions and blemishes. Greater clarity equates with greater brilliance and a stone with a few blemishes that can be placed under the mounting has better clarity than one with an inclusion right under the table. Small surface chips or nicks can be polished away are often of even less concern.

Although inclusions and blemishes can negatively influence a stone’s value, they can also be viewed positively. For example, inclusions can allow gemologists to distinguish between natural and lab-created diamonds. What’s more, inclusions are unique to each diamond, so they are an excellent way to identify a stone.

Diamond Clarity Grading
A diamond’s clarity is graded under 10X magnifications using the following delineations:

(FL): Flawless diamonds have no internal or external inclusions or blemishes
(IF): Internally Flawless diamonds have no internal inclusions and only very minor blemishes
(VVS): Very, Very Slightly Included diamonds are graded within two subcategories:
VVS1 and VVS2. In both, inclusions are extremely difficult to see. Typical inclusions are internal graining, faint clouds, tiny feathers and tiny pinpoints. A grade of VVS1 is better than a grade of VVS2.
(VS): Very Slightly Included diamonds are graded within two subcategories: VS1 and VS2. These have minor inclusions impossible to detect with the naked eye. Typical inclusions are small-included feathers, clouds, crystals and groupings of pinpoints. A grade of VS1 is better than a grade of VS2.
(SI): Slightly Included diamonds are graded within three subcategories: SI1, SI2 and SI3. Inclusions are easily detectable, centrally located. Typical inclusions are included feathers, crystals and clouds. A grade of SI1 is better than a grade of SI2.
(I): Imperfect diamonds are graded within three subcategories: I1, I2, and I3. Inclusions are very obvious under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye. Typical features are large included crystals and feathers.