Clarity

Clarity refers to how “clean” the diamonds is, or how many inclusions (i.e. scratches, trace minerals or other tiny characteristics) the diamond has. Inclusions are important to consider because they can detract from the beauty of a diamond. 


Clarity is judged on the both the size and number of inclusions in the diamond.  As the size and number of inclusions get smaller, the higher the clarity grade will be.  This is illustrated in the diagram below.


               


Inclusions in diamonds can affect the look if the inclusion is large, dark in colour and/or high in number.  They have a noticeable affect in larger diamonds since it would be easier to see into the depth of the diamond with the naked eye. 


Diamond clarity is given by the following grades:


  1. •F, Flawless: Both internally and externally (surface flaws) flawless or free of inclusions, scratches.  Very rare and very expensive.  Caution should be taken when wearing diamonds of this grade since if they are to scratched on the surface or chipped it will no longer be Flawless.

  2. •IF, Internally Flawless: in this case its is similar to the flawless but can have minor surface scratches.  A very beautiful diamond in either case.

  3. •VVS1, VVS2, Very Very Slightly Included:  Inclusions are very difficult to see under 10x magnification and would require a microscope of high power to see these inclusions clearly.  This type of diamond is very “eye clean”  since its extremely difficult to see these inclusions. 

  4. •VS1, VS2, Very Slightly Included:  Inclusions are a bit bigger than those in VVS range.  However they are still difficult to see under 10x magnification.  Very “eye clean”.  Still a very good looking stone. 

  5. •SI1, Slightly Included:  Inclusions are larger than those found in VS clarity.  It is important to note that in this particular clarity grade inclusions can be seen with the naked eye but it is very, very difficult to do so.  Definitely “eye clean” and easily seen under 10x magnification. 

  6. •SI2, Slightly Included: I’ve broken this sections in the SI clarity because it is slightly easier to see inclusions in SI2 when comparing with SI1 clarity.  Although the price is better, it’s important to have a good look at the diamond to make sure the diamond is “eye clean”.  Inclusions are getting larger as we go down in clarity, so its important to also note that below SI each diamond will have different clarity characteristics and will be very visible to the naked eye.

  7. •I1, I2, I3, Included:  These diamonds will have larger inclusions and more of them.  They are more visible to the naked eye so always have a good look at each diamond in this clarity grade.  In the off chance that you find a diamond at I1 clarity that has white inclusions it may be more difficult to notice.  Combine this type of diamond with a very high cut grade and you’d have an excellent value.  With that said, I generally stay away from diamonds in the I clarity grade because more often than not the diamond will have flaws that are not as desirable. 

  

So which clarity grade is best?  If money wasn’t a factor then VVS and up is a good choice.  However, budget and value are always important considerations.  If this is the case, SI1 is a very good choice since it offers a very “eye clean” diamond at a very reasonable price.  Any clarity above this would be difficult to differentiate with the naked eye and would offer no real added value in terms of the diamond’s look.  Everyone has different desires as far as quality in concerned so shop within your budget.  

 

  1. ➡   On to Colour

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