Diamond Clarity Explained: What You Need to Know

You may have wondered why some diamond's brilliance is like a regal blessing while others seem dull. A frequent assumption is that since they are expensive, they sparkle, which is somewhat correct. But the diamond clarity is what really matters!

We must first understand the creation of diamonds in order to comprehend diamond clarity. Carbon that has been subjected to extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth produces natural diamonds. Numerous internal traits known as "inclusions" and outward traits known as "blemishes" may arise from this process.

The grade assigned to a diamond according to its inclusions and flaws is known as diamond clarity. On the diamond quality chart, a diamond will be graded better if it has fewer flaws and blemishes.

One of the four Cs, or the primary qualities of a diamond, is clarity, which can have a big influence on a diamond's price. Let's learn what diamond clarity is, the most typical inclusions and defects in diamonds, the diamond quality chart, and the elements that affect clarity with this article.

     What is Diamond Clarity?

     Diamond Clarity Scale

The "4 C's" grading system, including cut, color, carat, and clarity, was first introduced in 1953. The Clarity Scale, consisting of six categories and eleven levels, is widely utilized internationally to evaluate the level of imperfections in a diamond.

• Perfect (FL): Not even a hint of imperfections or flaws apparent at 10x magnification
• Perfect from within (IF): Nothing discernible when seen at a 10x magnification
• Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions so tiny that even with a 10x magnification, a trained grader would have trouble seeing them.
• Included Very Slightly (VS1 and VS2): Even at 10x magnification, inclusions are difficult to see but are considered insignificant.
• Very Inclusionary (SI1 and SI2): Under 10x magnification, inclusions are visible.
• Included (I1, I2, and I3): When viewed at 10 times magnification, inclusions can be seen, potentially affecting both transparency and brilliance.

     Diamond Clarity Chart

A diamond clarity chart is a visual representation of the diamond clarity scale consisting of images and visual comparison.

Grade	Description	Magnification
FL	No inclusions or external blemishes visible under 10X magnification	10X
IF	No inclusions visible under 10X magnification	10X
VVS1 & VVS2	Inclusions very difficult to see under 10X magnification	10X
VS1 & VS2	Inclusions difficult to see under 10X magnification	10X
SI1 & SI2	Inclusions visible under 10X magnification. Some inclusions visible to the unaided, untrained eye	10X
I1/I2/I3	Inclusions obvious under 10X magnification. Inclusions visible to the unaided, untrained eye	10X

Note: *Brilliant Earth does not carry I1/I2/I3 grade diamonds.

     The Most Common Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes

When a polished diamond is cut, mounted, or worn, external flaws known as blemishes can develop on both naturally occurring and lab-grown diamonds.

Inclusions

Internal flaws called inclusions develop when diamonds are formed.

• Cavity: An angular hole created when a feather splits more.

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• Cloud: A collection of pinpoints that appear blurry.

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• Crystal: A mineral crystal found inside a diamond.

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• Feather: A tiny fracture or break that has a feathery, white appearance.

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• Graining: Curves, angles, and lines that have a reflecting, colorful, or white appearance.

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• Needle: A long, thin crystal that, magnified ten times, resembles a rod.

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• Knot: A translucent or white crystal that juts outward toward the surface of the diamond.

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• Pinpoint: A microscopic crystal that, when magnified ten times, resembles a tiny dot.

Blemishes

External flaws called blemishes develop during diamond creation.

• Abrasion: A string of tiny holes that give the edges a fuzzy, white look.

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• Chip: A surface fissure that is relatively shallow and typically forms at the culet or girdle of a stone.

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• Natural: A rough diamond's original surface, typically retained on the girdle.

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• Nick: A little indent, typically found around the culet or girdle edge.

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• Pit: A tiny hole that resembles a little white dot.

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• Granular Girdle Surface: Known as a rough girdle.

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• Scratch: The diamond's surface is lined with a thin, white line.

     Factors Affecting Clarity

• Size: The likelihood of a clarity grade decreasing increases with the size or prominence of a trait.
• Number: This is the total number of traits that are readily apparent. A greater clarity grade corresponds to fewer features.
• Position: Where does each particular attribute fall on the spectrum? The ranking is dependent on where a feature is located in the diamond anatomy. Is it near a pavilion and beneath the table, where it is most visible? Inclusions become reflectors in this position, which has a greater effect on the clarity grade.
• Nature: A diamond characteristic's nature is related to the kind of inclusion and how it affects durability.
• Color and Relief: These two factors indicate how noticeable a feature is or how starkly the feature contrasts with its surroundings diamond.

     How Diamond Clarity is Graded?

The look of the diamond face up in the loupe, the 10x microscope, and eye visibility are all taken into consideration when determining overall clarity. The final grade is always assessed at 10x in four directions. Higher power is utilized to identify inclusions that are otherwise difficult to determine at 10x, which can often contain VVS inclusions.

When assigning a clarity grade, graders take into account many factors such as the size, kind, quantity, positioning, and relief of the inclusions. There is agreement among professional graders regarding the right grade for a diamond because different people have different ideas about the clarity grades that the diamond obtains.

     Tips for Evaluating Diamond Clarity

Achieving the ideal diamond requires striking a balance between carat, clarity, cut, and color. So, what is the best clarity for a diamond? Keep in mind the following important points:

• Clean Diamonds for the Eyes: If the diamond is eye clean is the most important consideration. Although flawless is the highest grade, any diamond with a clean eye is exceptionally clear. Diamonds graded SI1 or higher are excellent choices unless you use a 10x magnification often.
• Optimize Spending: Diamonds that are Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) and Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) should be used first. Generally speaking, they are eye clean without the exorbitant price of higher clarity classes.
• Budget and Preferences in Balance: Select a 4 C's combination based on what works best for you. Choose a smaller, warmer-colored diamond if you want excellent clarity.
• Greater Clarity for Step-Cut Facets: Since step-cut and rectangular diamond cuts (emerald, asscher) highlight transparency, greater clarity ratings are advantageous for these types of cuts.