What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity assesses the presence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. These characteristics develop during formation whether that occurs naturally under the Earth’s pressure and heat or during the lab-growing process. A diamond’s clarity grade, which ranges from Flawless to Included, designates how noticeable these imperfections are under 10x magnification. Clarity is one of the four factors that determines a diamond’s quality and value.
Diamond Clarity Scale
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the industry-standard 4 Cs (cut, color, carat, and clarity). Their diamond clarity scale is comprised of 6 categories with 11 levels, ranging from Flawless to Included. Professional graders use 10x magnification to inspect each diamond's imperfections to assign a clarity grade that becomes part of the stone’s certification.
Flawless Diamond Clarity (FL)
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No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification when viewed face up. Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity, as it is nearly impossible to find a diamond that is completely inclusion and blemish-free.
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Flawless diamonds are eye clean.
Internally Flawless Diamond Clarity (IF)
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No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification.
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Internally Flawless diamonds are eye clean.
Very, Very Slightly Included Diamond Clarity (VVS1 and VVS2)
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Inclusions are characterized as minute and are so slight that they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
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VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are eye clean.
Very Slightly Included Diamond Clarity (VS1 and VS2)
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Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor.
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VS1 and VS2 diamonds are almost always eye clean.
Slightly Included Diamond Clarity (SI1 and SI2)
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Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.
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Some SI1 and SI2 diamonds may have inclusions that are detectable to the unaided, untrained eye, while others do not. When considering SI diamonds for a piece, it is important to look at each stone in person as the look can vary widely from SI diamond to Si diamond.
Included Diamond Clarity (I1, I2, and I3)
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Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance.
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Their imperfections are generally visible to the unaided, untrained eye.