Clarity

 

The clarity grade is the degree to which the diamond is free of clarity characteristics and blemishes. Nature produces very few things that are absolutely perfect. Most diamonds will have some internal “birthmarks”, known as inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes. These clarity characteristics are evaluated under 10X magnification, by trained diamond graders, based on the number, nature, size, location and color of each characteristic. These characteristics are also used to distinguish one diamond from another. They are what makes a diamond a “one-of-a-kind”.

Gemologists use grades of clarity to describe the inclusions that may occur with the diamond. These grades are based on a scale that ranges from Internally Flawless (IF) through Included (I3). The highest grade of clarity is Flawless (F) or Internally Flawless (IF). The next grade for diamonds is VVS1 and VVS2, or very, very slightly included. Then followed by VS1 and VS2, which is very slightly included. These 4 grades are difficult to see even with 10x magnification. These are followed by SI1 and SI2, which is slightly included and can be seen with 10x magnification, but clean to the naked eye. The lower grades of I1, I2 and I3 indicated that there are inclusions visible under 10X magnification and can also be seen with the naked eye. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and are the most expensive. Finding a diamond with some inclusions can reduce the cost of the stone significantly without detracting from its beauty and durability.