Diamond clarity is the third of four Cs in the diamond grading system. It’s determined by the visibility of flaws and characteristics of the diamond. Let’s break down the basics of diamond clarity so you can learn how to shop for the best diamond choice.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the amount, size, color, and position of internal characteristics called inclusions or blemishes. Inclusions are natural imperfections that occur during the formation of the diamond.

Inclusions can appear in almost any color, but they’re usually clear or dark spots inside your stone. The GIA grades them on a scale from 1 (very clean) to 11 (very heavily included).

Diamond Clarity Scale

There are several levels of clarity:

FL: Internally Flawless
IF: Internally Flawless
VVS1: Very Very Slightly Included
VVS2: Very Slightly Included
SI1: Slightly Included
SI2: Slightly Included

A diamond must have no inclusions visible under 10x magnification to be flawless. The higher the clarity grade, the more difficult it is to find diamonds with no flaws or inclusions that the eye can see.

How Does Diamond Clarity Affect The Value Of Your Diamond?

The higher clarity grade is more expensive. Diamonds are judged based on their ability to reflect light through their faces. So when a diamond reflects light in every direction, it’s called “brilliant.” And since diamonds with fewer flaws reflect more sunlight through their faces, they’re considered more valuable.

What Diamond Clarity Is The Best?

So which diamond clarity grade is the best? Flawless diamonds are the highest grade possible. No internal or external flaws can be seen under 10x magnification by a trained and experienced jeweler.

These diamonds are scarce but also the most beautiful!
They are expensive and classy.
The most common clarity grades that we see are VS1 to VS2, which will provide the best combination of beauty and value.

Conclusion

Diamond clarity is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a diamond. The quality of a diamond’s clearness impacts its appearance and value. The higher the diamond clarity grade, the more expensive your diamond is.

The Diamond Guys, established 2006, with locations in Scottsdale and Los Angeles, is a specialized engagement ring, natural and lab grown diamond, and custom design jewelry company