CLARITY

 

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process.

The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.  For grades F through SI, a diamond’s clarity grade has an impact on the diamond’s value, not necessarily on the unmagnified diamond’s appearance.

 

Grades range from Flawless (diamonds which are completely free of blemishes and inclusions), to Included 3 (diamonds which possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eye).

 

FLAWLESS (F)

No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.

 

INTERNALLY FLAWLESS (IF)

No internal flaws, but some surface flaws.  Very rare.

 

VERY VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (VVS1-VVS2)

Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist.

 

VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (VS1-VS2)

Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.

 

SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (SI1-SI2)

Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification.

 

INCLUDED (I1-I2-I3)
Inclusions visible under 10x magnification AS WELL AS to the human eye.

We do not recommend buying diamonds in any of these grades.