What Is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity measures a diamond’s natural characteristics, known as inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). These tiny marks form during a diamond’s creation, billions of years in the making. While most are invisible to the naked eye, they can affect how light travels through the stone, impacting brilliance and value.
Understanding the GIA Clarity Scale
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale is the industry standard for evaluating a diamond’s clarity. It provides a consistent, transparent way to compare diamonds across jewelers and gemologists alike.
The GIA scale grades diamonds from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), based on the presence and visibility of internal and external characteristics [1]. These natural features, known as inclusions and blemishes, form during a diamond’s creation. While they make each diamond unique, they also influence brilliance and value.
From Flawless to Included: Grading Explained
Understanding how these clarity grades differ can help you choose the diamond that best suits your needs and budget. Here’s a closer look at what each grade means [2]:
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Flawless (FL) & Internally Flawless (IF): These diamonds are the rarest and most prized, with no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. Their unmatched purity comes with a premium price.
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VVS1 & VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Containing only tiny inclusions that are extremely hard to spot, even under magnification, these diamonds combine high clarity with a more approachable price than FL or IF.
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VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Small inclusions that are difficult to detect under 10x magnification and not visible to the naked eye. These diamonds deliver excellent value and exceptional brilliance, making them a popular choice for those seeking a clean, brilliant stone without reaching for higher grades.
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SI1 & SI2 (Slightly Included): These diamonds contain noticeable inclusions under magnification, with SI2 sometimes visible to the naked eye. Many SI1 diamonds still appear flawless without magnification, making them a budget-friendly choice.
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I1, I2 & I3 (Included): Inclusions are obvious and may affect brilliance and durability. While more affordable, they might not deliver the sparkle or longevity you’re looking for in a fine jewelry piece.
How Inclusions Impact Brilliance and Value
Inclusions are nature’s fingerprints, making each diamond one-of-a-kind. But their size, number, and location can influence how light travels through the stone, affecting both sparkle and value.
Brilliance and Fire:
A diamond’s brilliance (its sparkle) depends on how well it reflects and refracts light. Large or poorly positioned inclusions can disrupt this light performance, making the diamond appear less lively [3]. Our gemologists carefully examine each stone to ensure optimal brilliance to ensure optimal brilliance, prioritizing diamonds that dazzle without sacrificing appearance for perfection.
Value Considerations:
Clarity directly impacts a diamond’s price. Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare, commanding premium prices, while diamonds with visible inclusions are more affordable but may compromise brilliance. For many buyers, a diamond with minor inclusions that can’t be seen without magnification, known as “eye clean”, offers the best value, delivering beauty and sparkle at a more approachable price.
Tips for Choosing the Best Clarity Grade for You
Prioritize What Matters Most:
If sparkle and brilliance are top priorities, focus on diamonds graded VS1 or VS2 and higher [4]. These stones have inclusions that are only visible under magnification, offering exceptional clarity without paying for rarer, higher-grade stones.
Consider Budget and Balance:
SI1 diamonds can offer exceptional value, especially when inclusions are small or positioned in less visible areas. Our team can help you spot these hidden gems, balancing quality and budget without sacrificing visuals.
Think About Setting:
The type of setting you choose can also help hide inclusions. Halo settings, vintage-inspired designs, or even prong placements can camouflage minor inclusions, letting the diamond’s brilliance shine through.
Eye Clean Diamonds: What You Need to Know
When shopping for a diamond, you’ll often hear the term “eye clean.” This means that any inclusions in the diamond are not visible to the naked eye. Eye clean diamonds strike a wonderful balance between beauty and value, letting you enjoy the sparkle and brilliance you love, without paying a premium for higher grades that may not look any different to you.
Why It Matters:
Diamonds with VS1, VS2, and even some SI1 clarity grades are eye clean, offering you the best of both worlds: a stunning appearance and a friendlier price point.
Clarity’s important, but it’s only part of the equation. Explore our diamonds and see how it all comes together.
Diamond Clarity FAQs
What is the diamond clarity scale?
The diamond clarity scale, developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), grades diamonds based on internal inclusions and external blemishes. It ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
How does clarity affect a diamond’s value?
Clarity impacts a diamond’s price by influencing its appearance and rarity. Flawless diamonds are rare and valuable, while diamonds with noticeable inclusions are more affordable, but may appear less brilliant.
Is VS1 clarity good for a diamond?
VS1 clarity is considered an excellent choice, offering high brilliance with inclusions that are often invisible to the naked eye. Many VS1 diamonds are eye clean, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
What does eye clean mean in diamonds?
An eye clean diamond has no visible inclusions to the unaided eye. This clarity grade offers great value and beauty, allowing you to enjoy the diamond’s sparkle without paying a premium for flawless grades.
Citations:
[1] 4Cs Clarity - https://www.gia.edu/gia-about/4cs-clarity
[2] Diamond Grading Scale - https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/gia-diamond-grading-scales/
[3] How Light Affects Diamond Appearance - https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/light-affects-diamond-cut-appearance/
[4] VVS Diamond versus VS Diamond: What’s the Difference in Diamond Clarity? - https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/vvs-diamond-versus-vs-diamond/
