Understanding Diamond Clarity
Diamonds are formed under extreme pressure and heat, often resulting in natural imperfections called blemishes (surface flaws) or inclusions (internal characteristics). These unique features are evaluated and assigned a clarity rating using a standardized scale, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Slightly Included (SI) and beyond. At Genesis Stones, all diamonds are graded to reflect their clarity, which directly impacts their beauty and value.
A diamond with fewer visible imperfections will receive a higher clarity grade. However, many inclusions are microscopic and can’t be seen without magnification, meaning a diamond may appear flawless to the naked eye despite having a lower clarity rating. Some imperfections can even be cleverly masked by specific jewelry settings like prongs or bezels.
Why Diamond Clarity Matters
While clarity plays a role in a diamond’s appearance, it’s not the only factor influencing its beauty. Unlike popular belief, a higher clarity grade does not necessarily mean more sparkle — cut quality has a far greater impact on brilliance. Additionally, certain diamond shapes like Emerald or Asscher cuts may reveal imperfections more easily due to their large, open facets, while Round or Oval cuts often hide them better.
Tips for Evaluating Diamond Clarity
• Look for “Eye Clean” Diamonds: Diamonds with inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye offer excellent value.
• Consider SI and VS Grades: Slightly Included (SI) and Very Slightly Included (VS) diamonds often appear flawless without magnification, providing a great balance of quality and price.
• Factor in Diamond Size and Shape: Larger diamonds and step-cut shapes may require a higher clarity grade to maintain a clean look.
• Trust Your Vision: Every diamond is unique, and often the most beautiful choice is one that appeals to your personal taste rather than achieving the highest clarity rating.
Understanding the Diamond Clarity Scale
Diamond clarity is graded using a standardized scale that consists of 11 clarity grades across 6 categories, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3). This scale, established in 1953 by Richard T. Liddicoat and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), remains the global standard for evaluating a diamond’s internal and external imperfections.
Clarity directly impacts a diamond’s value — the fewer visible inclusions and blemishes, the rarer and more valuable the stone. For instance, Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) diamonds are priced higher than Slightly Included (SI) diamonds due to their superior clarity. Many inclusions, however, are microscopic and don’t affect a diamond’s beauty, especially when assessed for “eye-clean” quality.
At Genesis Stones, we carefully select diamonds that offer exceptional beauty and value. We do not carry loose diamonds with low clarity grades like I1, I2, or I3, as these typically contain visible inclusions that impact brilliance. Instead, we focus on offering stunning diamonds in clarity grades that ensure dazzling sparkle.
Diamond Clarity Grades Explained
• Included (I1, I2, I3): Noticeable inclusions visible to the naked eye. We don’t offer loose diamonds in these grades.
• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be detectable without magnification, particularly in SI2 stones. However, eye-clean SI1 diamonds often provide excellent value.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to spot under magnification. These diamonds offer a balance of beauty and affordability.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Tiny inclusions that are challenging to see even with 10x magnification. VVS diamonds are rare and appear flawless to the unaided eye.
• Internally Flawless (IF): No internal inclusions, but minor surface blemishes may be present. IF diamonds are highly sought after for their pristine clarity.
• Flawless (FL): Completely free of internal and external imperfections. FL diamonds are incredibly rare, representing less than 1% of all diamonds.
The Five Factors That Determine Diamond Clarity
A diamond’s clarity grade is assessed based on five key factors. Together, these elements determine where a diamond falls on the clarity scale.
• Size: Larger and more noticeable inclusions or blemishes generally result in a lower clarity grade.
• Number: The more visible characteristics a diamond has, the lower its clarity grade. Fewer inclusions often mean a higher rating.
• Position: The location of an inclusion plays a significant role in the clarity assessment. Characteristics found under the table (the top, most visible part of the diamond) or near the pavilion (the pointed bottom) tend to have a greater impact on clarity.
• Nature: This refers to the type of inclusion and how it might affect the diamond’s durability and overall appearance. Some inclusions are more concerning than others depending on their structure.
• Color and Relief: Color describes the hue of the inclusion, while relief measures how much it contrasts with the surrounding diamond. Higher contrast inclusions are more noticeable and can lower the clarity grade.
Understanding these clarity factors can help you make a more informed decision when selecting a diamond, balancing both beauty and value.
How Diamond Shape Affects Clarity
Certain diamond shapes demand higher clarity grades than others. Step-cut diamonds, like emerald and Asscher cuts, feature large, open facets that emphasize transparency, making inclusions more noticeable. For these shapes, opting for a clarity grade of VS1 or higher is recommended to ensure imperfections remain unseen.
On the other hand, shapes like round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, and heart cuts are designed with brilliant faceting, which reflects light from multiple angles. This sparkling effect naturally masks inclusions, often allowing you to choose a lower clarity grade without compromising the diamond’s beauty.
The Impact of Diamond Size on Clarity
As a diamond increases in size, its larger facets can make inclusions more apparent. If you’re considering a larger stone, it’s wise to prioritize a higher clarity grade to maintain a flawless appearance.
Understanding the Diamond Clarity Plot
For diamonds over one carat, a clarity plot is included with the GIA grading report. This detailed diagram maps out the diamond’s inclusions, blemishes, and other characteristics that influenced its clarity grade. Think of it as a fingerprint for your diamond, providing a clear visual representation of its unique features.
Popular Diamond Clarity Grades
With numerous clarity grades available, there’s a diamond for every preference and budget. Many shoppers find SI1 or SI2 clarity diamonds to be an excellent value — offering minimal visible inclusions at a more affordable price. Additionally, VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds are a popular choice for their impressive clarity and eye-clean appearance. For many shapes, the brilliance of the cut can naturally hide minor inclusions, further enhancing the stone’s overall appeal.
Types of Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes
Curious about the fascinating world of diamond characteristics? Diamonds can have a variety of internal inclusions and external blemishes that add to their uniqueness. Learning about these features can help you better understand the diamond you’re considering.
Common Types of Diamond Inclusions
• Clouds
• Feathers
• Crystals or Minerals
• Knots
• Cavities
• Cleavage
• Internal Graining
Examples of Diamond Blemishes
• Polish Lines
• Scratches
• Nicks
• Pits
• Chips
• Breaks
• Dark or Light Spots
While not all diamonds exhibit these characteristics, they are often present in both natural and lab-grown stones. Remember, every diamond is one-of-a-kind, and many inclusions or blemishes are microscopic and have little to no impact on the diamond’s beauty.
