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Clarity

A diamond's clarity rating is based on the presence and visibility of internal flaws (called inclusions) and external flaws (called blemishes). Inclusions are naturally occurring impurities that can become embedded in a diamond during its formation. Blemishes can occur during cutting, polishing and wearing.

Clarity improves when a diamond has fewer flaws. A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of a diamond under 10x magnification. There are five factors that determine how a major laboratory will assign a clarity grade to a specific diamond:

  • Size:- How large or small the inclusion is within the diamond.
  • Number:- How many inclusions are found within the diamond.
  • Position:-The location of the inclusions within the diamond. Inclusions located under the table or "heart" of the diamond (the upper flat facet of the stone) impact the clarity grade more than inclusions located under the side facets.
  • Nature:-The degree to which the inclusions affect the durability of a diamond. Large feathers (miniscule fissures) in a diamond can be hazardous depending on their size and position.
  • Relief:-The degree to which the inclusion is visible. Dark inclusions are easier to locate than white or clear inclusions and may be graded more harshly.

Diamond clarity is graded according to the following scale:
Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are very rare, beautiful and expensive.
Internally Flawless
No inclusions and only insignificant blemishes can be seen under 10x magnification. These diamonds are very rare, beautiful and expensive and their blemishes can normally be removed by minor polishing.
Very very slightly included
Inclusions and blemishes are very difficult to see under 10x magnification. These are excellent quality diamonds.
Very slightly included
Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. VS1-VS2 diamonds contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. Though less expensive than VVS1-2 stones, these are excellent quality diamonds.
Slightly included
Inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye. These diamonds still offer a great value at a much less cost than those with higher clarity ratings.
Imperfect
Inclusions are visible to the unaided eye and in some cases affects the durability of the diamond.

BUYER'S TIPS - Which clarity should you choose?
  • It is important to select a diamond that does not have any inclusions that affect overall beauty and durability. If you want to be certain that your diamond is "eye clean" (i.e. no inclusions are visible to the unaided eye), select a diamond that is graded VS2 or higher.
  • There are great values to be had when shopping for SI quality diamonds. To be certain that a diamond is free of inclusions visible to the naked eye, we recommend that you have it reviewed by our expert staff before finalizing your order.
  • It is always a good idea to balance the clarity grade of your diamond with its color. If you are interested in diamonds in the D-F color range, focus on clarity grades of VS2 or higher. For excellent value, look for G-I color range diamonds with SI clarity.