Diamond Clarity

4Cs Diamond Education: Clarity

The 4Cs of diamond grading are; color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. In this article we will give you all the details you need to know to really understand what clarity is and what it means to the quality and the value of a diamond. When we speak of diamond clarity we are referring to the absence of inclusions, imperfections, or other identifying marks that can be seen in the stone either with magnification or the unaided eye.

Eye-Clean Diamonds

Eye-clean diamonds are diamonds that appear to be completely clear and free of inclusions when you look at them with the naked eye from a relatively short distance. Unlike other diamond qualifiers, the term eye-clean can be left to some interpretation and may vary slightly from one jeweler to another, especially with lower clarity grades.

The following factors may impact whether a diamond is considered eye-clean:

1. Distance
2. Lighting
3. Viewer’s vision

For all intents and purposes, you can consider diamonds listed as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very, Very Slightly Included (VVSI) and Very Slightly Included (VSI) as eye clean.

Diamonds listed as Slightly Included (SI and SI2) may or may not be eye clean. Included diamonds (I1, I2 and I3) are not eye clean.

10x Magnification

If all diamonds above Slightly Included may be considered eye clean, you may wonder why there are so many ratings. The answer is that there are very slight inclusions that can only be seen with a special instrument under 10x magnification. At this magnification, a jeweler can determine whether a diamond is Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF) or Very, Very Slightly Included (VVSI).

Diamond Imperfections

There are two main categories that identifying marks in diamonds fall into; inclusions or blemishes. Inclusions are essentially “birthmarks” that can be found below the surface of a diamond and they most often occur as the diamond is being created. Blemishes are imperfections that don’t really have any depth to them and appear on the surface of the diamond and sometimes occur after a diamond has been formed, cut and polished and even set into jewelry. Here are some examples:

Inclusions:

• Cloud – a milky or cloudy spot in a diamond.
• Carbon Spot – this is a black piece of carbon that did not crystalize. They are often visible to the unaided eye.
• Knot – a diamond crystal inside, but near the surface of the stone.
• Feather – this type of imperfection is caused by a separation and fans out a lot like a feather.
• Pinpoint – just as the name implies, this type of inclusion looks like a tiny pinpoint and there can actually be a grouping of several pinpoint marks together, which can form a cloud.
• Cleavage – an internal crack that does not create a feather.
• Bearding­ – a fine hairline inclusion.
• Included crystals or minerals – these can include impurities like garnet or other items that get trapped in the diamond as it is being formed.
• Cavities – a large deep inclusion in a diamond.

For more details on the types of inclusions, click here.

Blemishes:

• Nicks – these are chips in the diamond that are found on facet edges or the girdle of the diamond. Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral but they are brittle and if they are hit just right on these areas they are vulnerable to damage.
• Scratches – fine white lines that are on the surface of the diamond.
• Polish Lines – lines or scratches caused during the polishing process.
• Pits – divots that look like white dots on the surface of the stone.

 

Grading

Diamonds are graded based on the absence of the above imperfections. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) initially developed the grading system.

Flawless (FL)
No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification. This diamond is entirely free of any internal and external inclusions. Even when viewed under high magnification, it will look perfectly clean. If you are looking for the best of the best, this is the clarity grade for you. A diamond of this clarity is remarkably rare, which substantially increases its value.

Internally Flawless (IF)
This diamond is internally flawless and is entirely free from any visible inclusions inside the stone. While there may be fine lines or scratches on the surface that can only be seen under very high magnification, these markings are the only thing keeping it from being graded as completely flawless. It is still a very fine and rare diamond.

Very, Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS₁)
This diamond contains tiny inclusions that cannot be seen with the unaided eye, or even at 20X magnification. If you are seeking a diamond that will appear crisp, clean and free of inclusions this is it. A diamond of this clarity will cost substantially less than either of the flawless clarity ratings.

Very, Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS₂₎

This diamond contains tiny inclusions, only slightly more that those found on a VVS1, which cannot be seen with the unaided eye, or even at 20X magnification. This diamond that is will appear crisp, clean and free of inclusions and is a good value for those seeking a diamond that appears flawless.

Very Slightly Included 1 (VS₁)
Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor. This diamond contains very small inclusions, which cannot be seen with the unaided eye and are difficult to see at 10X magnification. Diamonds of this clarity present an excellent value since it is nearly impossible to detect a difference between this grade and the VVS grades once they are mounted.

Very Slightly Included 2 (VS₂)

This diamond contains very small inclusions, slightly more than those found in the VS1, and cannot be seen with the unaided eye. These inclusions are even difficult to see with 10X magnification. Diamonds of this clarity provide a tremendous value to those seeking an eye-clean diamond.

Slightly Included 1 (SI₁)

This diamond contains minimal inclusions. Inclusions or blemishes in this stone cannot be seen with the unaided eye but they will be detected when observed with 10X magnification. These imperfections rarely affect the overall brilliance of the diamond. This diamond clarity provides a great value to the buyer.

Slightly Included 2 (SI₂)

Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be detectable to an unaided eye.

Included I₂

Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance. Diamonds with I1 clarity may possibly have inclusion that you can see with the naked eye.

Included I2- Included I3 (I2-I3)

Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance. Diamonds with I2 clarity have inclusion that you can easily see with the naked eye.

 

Buying Tip:

Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to see by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. If you are looking for a great value on a gorgeous diamond, you may decide to choose a diamond graded as a VS2 or SI1, which can save you hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars.