Diamond Clarity

What diamond clarity means

Clarity is sometimes referred to as purity and is a measure of the number, size and location of the tiny imperfections or flaws that occur in almost all natural diamonds. Gemologists refer to these imperfections using technical terms including blemishes and inclusions.

Many of these imperfections are microscopic and so do not affect the diamond’s beauty when viewed by the naked eye. Diamonds with the least and smallest imperfections (hardest to see) receive the highest clarity grades.

Clarity is the easiest of the Four C’s to understand and to many it has the least impact on the general appearance of the diamond.

 

Diamond Clarity

 

Diamond Clarity

FL

Flawless: Shows no internal or external imperfections under 10x magnification. These are extremely rare diamonds.

IF

Internally Flawless: Shows no internal imperfections and only insignificant external imperfections under 10x magnification. These are very rare diamonds.

VVS1,

VVS2

Very, Very Slightly Included: Contain minute imperfections that are difficult for an experienced grader to locate under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.

VS1,

VS2

Very Slightly Included: Contain minor imperfections under 10x magnification. Imperfections are not typically visible to the unaided eye.

SI1

SI2

Slightly Included: Contain noticeable imperfections under 10x magnification. These may be visible to the unaided eye. A good value diamond.

I1

Included: Contain obvious imperfections under 10x magnification which can often be seen easily with the unaided eye.

I2,

I3

Included Grades 2 & 3: Beauty or durability are seriously or very seriously affected.