Diamond clarity refers to the purity and rarity of the stone, and the degree to which it presents blemishes and inclusions. When forming, natural microscopic characteristics can be trapped within or on the diamond. These internal and surface characteristics are inspected by gemologists, who use 10x magnification and a qualitative grading system to assign a numerical value (clarity grade) to each diamond.
The lower the number of imperfections and flaws in a diamond’s aesthetic appearance, the higher the clarity grade. When determining the optimum clarity for a diamond, keep in mind that no diamond is entirely pure. However, the closer it gets to purity, the clearer it becomes. Diamonds with no or few inclusions are considered particularly rare and highly valued.
While clarity has a significant effect on the value of a diamond, most defects are invisible to the naked or unassisted eye.
Evaluating diamond clarity entails assessing the quantity, size, relief, type, and location of the microscopic characteristics, as well as their effect on the stone's overall look. Experienced gemologists use 10x magnification to identify and classify these clarity characteristics by size, type and position.
The characteristics are then mapped on a “diamond plot” which looks different for every diamond! Gemological labs, such as GIA and IGI, measure diamonds on a scale from “Included” to “Flawless”.
FL | Flawless |
---|---|
IF | Internally Flawless |
VVS1 VVS2 |
Very Very Slightly Included |
VS1 VS2 |
Very Slightly Included |
SI1 SI2 |
Slightly Included |
I1 I2 I3 |
Included (Not Carried by Brilliant Earth) |
Here are the different clarity grades to consider:
When a diamond forms, small crystals may get stuck inside. Occasionally, when a crystal develops, its atomic structure may acquire imperfections. The size, location, and visibility of inclusions all affect the clarity of a diamond.
When evaluating the clarity of a diamond, there are many distinct kinds of inclusions to consider. Here are a few of the most common kinds, along with an explanation of what they are:
Clarity affects how a diamond shines and appears when illuminated — and fewer inclusions mean the diamond will shine more brilliantly. When determining the optimum clarity for a diamond, keep in mind that no diamond is entirely pure. However, the closer it gets to purity, the clearer it becomes.
Additionally, the importance of diamond clarity is affected by the other diamond qualities, such as shape and size. In step-cut shapes, such as emerald cut and asscher cut diamonds, the shallow pavilion and open table accentuate the clarity of the stone and can make characteristics more easily visible. Similarly, in larger carat sizes, characteristics can be more noticeable due to larger facets.