Diamond Clarity

What Is Diamond Clarity?

The evaluation of minor flaws on the surface and within the stone is known as diamond clarity. Internal imperfections are known as inclusions, whereas surface flaws are known as blemishes. In most circumstances, the beauty of a diamond is unaffected since most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. Instead of calling inclusions faults, gemologists regard to them as "internal features." A natural diamond's character is determined by its internal properties. It's also worth noting that diamonds with the tiniest and fewest inclusions obtain the highest clarity grading, as well as higher prices.

Remember that no two gems are alike. They're created underground under extreme pressure and heat. Natural flaws and imperfections are unavoidable.

Quick Clarity Tips

There are many misconceptions around the clarity of diamonds, including the belief that you need to buy a high clarity grade to avoid seeing imperfections. Another common falsehood is that a higher clarity grade results in more sparkle. Neither of these is true! Here are some tips to get you started on your diamond search:

  • The term “eye clean” means that the diamond’s inclusions are too small to see without magnification.
  • A good place to start your search and maximize your budget is with Slightly Included (SI) and Very Slightly Included (VS) grades because inclusions will not be readily noticeable without magnification.
  • Diamond shape and size affect clarity. While clarity is less important than a diamond’s cut or color, if you are buying a diamond over one carat or considering certain fancy-shaped diamonds (like an emerald or Asscher cut where flaws are more visible), you may want to spend more for a higher clarity grade.

I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds

  • Natural Diamonds does not sell I clarity diamonds since they have evident imperfections that are likely to be noticed and damage its brilliance.
  • For engagement ring designs, I clarity grade loose diamonds.

    Natural Diamonds does provide a small range of I1 diamond-set jewelry.

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; Natural Diamonds 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

Diamond Clarity Scale

Slide left and right to compare diamond clarity

The Five Diamond Clarity Factors

Size: The larger or more noticeable a characteristic, the lower the likely clarity grade.

Number: This is the number of easily seen characteristics. Having fewer characteristics means a higher clarity grade.

Position: This position turns inclusions into reflectors, which have a bigger impact on the clarity grade.

Nature: The nature of a diamond characteristic relates to the type of inclusion and its impact on durability.

Color and relief: Color and relief are essentially a measure of how easily a character is seen, or how much contrast there is between the characteristic and surrounding diamond.

Why SI Diamonds And VS Diamonds Are The Best Value

While the best grade diamond clarity is Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds, you may wish to pick a diamond that is less expensive. Choose a diamond with inclusions that can't be seen through the crown without magnification, such as a SI or VS clarity rating, for the greatest value. These diamonds are substantially less costly and have the same aesthetic appearance as the higher grades.

Diamond Shape

Some diamond shapes require a higher clarity grade than others. Emerald and Asscher-shaped diamonds (referred to as step cut) are designed with rectangular facets that emphasize transparency and let you see farther down into the diamond, which can make inclusions more visible. For these diamond shapes, choose a clarity grade of VS1 or better to ensure that the inclusions will not be visible.

Conversely, round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, and heart-shaped diamonds may not require as high of a clarity grade. Cut with a brilliant facet pattern, which reflects light from many different angles, these shapes naturally hide many inclusions.

Diamond Size

As diamond size increases, the size of the facets (the multiple mirror-like surfaces on the diamond) becomes more abundant. This can make inclusions more visible. Be sure to prioritize a higher clarity grade as the size of your diamond goes up.

The Diamond Clarity Plot

Clarity plots are diagrams that show the location of clarity characteristics—mapping the blemishes on a diamond’s surface and the inclusions within a diamond’s interior. The inclusions are identified by a certified diamond grader using a device with 10x magnification.

Types Of Diamond Inclusions

  • Clouds
  • Feathers
  • Crystals or minerals
  • Knots
  • Cavities
  • Cleavage
  • Internal graining

Types Of Blemish Examples

  • Polish lines
  • Scratches
  • Nicks
  • Pits
  • Chips
  • Breaks
  • Dark or light spots

Shop By Clarity Grade

At Natural Diamonds, we offer the highest quality diamonds and deliver the best value for your budget. If you're shopping for a diamond ring or other diamond jewelry, we offer the following diamond clarity grades: