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Diamond Clarity

Clarity is an important factor in diamond quality and price. Discover the details of inclusions and blemishes to select the best clarity grade for you.

Diamond clarity characteristics - SI2

What Does Diamond Clarity Mean?

Clarity is the absence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes on a diamond. It's one of the four factors that describe and determine a diamond's quality and value. 

 

The Clarity Scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates diamond clarity from Flawless to Included. Professionals use specialized equipment to assess a diamond under 10x magnification, which allows their expert eyes to examine any imperfections — or lack thereof — up close. Once assessed, the clarity of the diamond is graded and added to the official certification report

 

It's important to remember that while a diamond may have inclusions or blemishes, these imperfections may not be visible to the untrained, unaided eye. Diamonds with inclusions or blemishes that aren't visible to the naked eye are called 'eye clean.' If you’re looking for a high-clarity diamond, ensuring it’s eye is clean is the most important factor.

Diamond Clarity Scale

In 1953, the GIA standardized the grades of cut, color, carat, and clarity (commonly referred to as the 4 C's). Today, their 6-category, 11-level Clarity Scale is used around the world to determine the level of imperfections within a diamond.


Flawless (FL) 

  • No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity, as it is nearly impossible to find a diamond that is completely inclusion-free.  
  • Flawless diamonds are eye clean. 
  • Shop Flawless Diamonds 


Internally Flawless (IF)  

  • No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification. Some small surface blemishes may be present under a microscope.  
  • Internally Flawless diamonds are eye clean.


Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

  • Inclusions are characterized as minute and are so slight that they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. 
  • VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are eye clean.


Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

  • Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor.   
  • VS1 and VS2 diamonds are generally eye clean.


Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) 

  • Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.   
  • Some SI1 and SI2 diamonds may have inclusions that are detectable to the unaided, untrained eye, while others do not.
  • Shop SI1 Diamonds


Included (I1, I2, and I3) 

  • Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance.  
  • Brilliant Earth does not carry Included grade diamonds as their imperfections are generally visible to the unaided, untrained eye.
Assortment of loose diamonds in different shapes.

Diamond Clarity Chart

Diamond Clarity Cahrt

How Is Diamond Clarity Graded?

To evaluate diamond clarity, professional graders use 10x magnification to determine the number, size, relief, nature, and position of imperfections and how they impact the overall appearance of the stone. Once each inclusion or blemish is assessed, the diamond is assigned one of the 11 specific clarity grades. Then, each imperfection is plotted on a visual diagram that helps identify the diamond's one-of-a-kind markings.

 

Size  

Generally, the larger the inclusion is, the more impact it'll make on the clarity grade (though the size of the inclusion is always relative to the size of the stone). Extra-large, close to the surface, or surface-reaching inclusions can also impact a stone's durability.

  

Number 

Inclusions are judged on how visible they are vs. how many there are. However, generally, the more significant the number of clarity characteristics there are, the lower the clarity grade will be.

  

Position 

Position references the location of the inclusion or blemish in the diamond. Imperfections can occur anywhere within or on a diamond, though inclusions nearest to the table tend to have the most significant impact on clarity.

 

Nature 

The nature of an imperfection refers to the kind of inclusion that it is and the depth at which it occurs within the diamond. Internal characteristics are called inclusions, while external characteristics are called blemishes.

 

Relief

Relief references the distinctness of the inclusion or blemish in contrast with the diamond. A transparent or white inclusion is considered low relief, while a dark inclusion is considered high relief. The greater the relief is, the more of an impact it'll make on the overall clarity.


The Most Common Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes

To understand inclusions and blemishes, it is important to understand how diamonds are created. Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth as the result of carbon that's exposed to extreme heat and pressure. This intense process results in trapped crystals that grow into the irregular internal characteristics we call inclusions — the most common of which are pinpoints and feathers. Pinpoints are tiny dots, and feathers are small, internal breaks.

  

Lab grown diamonds also have inclusions — however, they're often referenced differently than natural diamond inclusions in grading reports. For example, in a natural diamond report, the GIA references the most common inclusions as pinpoint and feather. In contrast, in a lab diamond report, the same type of inclusion may be called a 'growth remnant.'  

 

External imperfections, called blemishes, occur on natural and lab grown diamonds after formation during the cutting, mounting, or wearing of a polished diamond.   


Inclusion

Inclusions are internal imperfections that occur during diamond formation.

 

  • Cavity: An angular opening that occurs as a feather breaks further. 


  • Cloud: A cluster of pinpoints that give a hazy appearance.  


  • Crystal: A mineral crystal within a diamond.

 

  • Feather: A small breakage or crack that appears white and feathery.

 

  • Graining: Lines, angles, and curves that appear whitish, colored, or reflective.

 

  • Needle: A thin, elongated crystal that looks like a rod at 10x.

 

  • Knot: A white or transparent crystal that extends toward the diamond's surface.

 

  • Pinpoint: A small crystal that looks like a tiny dot at 10x magnification 

 

Blemishes

Blemishes are external imperfections that occur after diamond formation.


  • Abrasion: A series of nicks that give the edges a white, fuzzy appearance.

 

  • Chip: A shallow opening on a stone's surface that most often occurs at the girdle or culet.

 

  • Natural: A portion of the original surface of a rough diamond that's usually left on the girdle.

 

  • Nick: A small notch, usually along the girdle edge or culet.

 

  • Pit: A small opening that appears as a tiny white dot.

 

  • Rough girdle: A granular girdle surface.

 

  • Scratch: A thin white line along the diamond's surface.
Diamond engagement rings and loose diamonds.

How Important Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity is incredibly important in determining a diamond's overall appearance, quality, and price. 

Appearance: Heavily included diamonds may appear duller and not shine as brightly as those with a better quality grade. 

Quality: A diamond with too many inclusions may be less durable and prone to chipping.

Price: Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare and expensive. Eye clean or Slightly Included diamonds are much more accessible.

Loose diamond and diamond tweezers.

Tips for Choosing a Clarity Grade

With seemingly endless combinations of cut, color, carat, and clarity, selecting the right diamond can be daunting. The perfect diamond for you will have a balance of all four that fits your preferences and budget. When choosing a clarity grade, remember:

  

  • The most important factor when considering clarity is whether or not the diamond is eye clean. Though Flawless is technically the best grade, any eye clean diamond is an excellent grade in clarity. Unless you'll be examining your diamond under 10x magnification frequently, an SI1 and better diamond is a high-quality option.  


  • Start your search and maximize your budget with Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) and Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) diamonds as they are generally eye clean without the heightened cost of higher-quality clarity grades.   


  • The best diamond for you will be a unique combination of the 4 C's that fits your preferences and budget. If clarity is very important to you, choose a smaller, warmer-colored diamond. If carat is the most important to you, choose a larger diamond with a lower grade in clarity and cut.  


  • It's always best to see a diamond in person before purchasing it. Especially if you have yet to see many or any diamonds before, seeing one in front of you is much more informative than seeing the video online. We recommend booking an appointment to view diamonds in our showroom so our experts can walk you through clarity and the other 4 C's in real-time.  


  • If you're hoping to purchase a diamond with rectangular or step-cut facets, such as an emerald or asscher shape, you'll benefit from a higher clarity grade, as these cuts emphasize transparency and allow you to see deeper into the diamond.


Loose round diamonds.

Diamond Clarity FAQ

What is the best diamond clarity?

The highest quality clarity grade of diamonds is Flawless. These diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification and are very rare.

What is a clarity enhanced diamond?

A clarity enhanced diamond is a diamond that was treated with laser drilling or fracture filling. Brilliant Earth does not carry clarity enhanced diamonds.

What does eye clean mean?

Diamonds that have inclusions or blemishes that are not visible to the naked eye are considered 'eye clean.'

Which diamond shapes hide clarity flaws?

Oval, cushion, radiant, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds hide clarity flaws better than others due to their brilliant faceting.

What is the difference between clarity and color?

Clarity is the absence of inclusions in and blemishes on the surface of a diamond. Diamond color references the absence of color in a diamond.

What is the difference between clarity and cut?

Clarity is the absence of inclusions and blemishes within or on the surface of a diamond. Cut references the quality of a diamond's facets — which determine a diamond's fire, sparkle, and brilliance.

How does diamond clarity affect a diamond's price?

Generally speaking, the higher the clarity of a diamond, the more expensive it'll be.

Does clarity apply to side stones and accent diamonds?

Yes, clarity still applies to side stones and accent diamonds. If you're designing your own ring, consider matching the accent clarity to your center stone or go a few clarity grades lower.

Do lab grown diamonds have inclusions?

Yes, lab grown diamonds have the same inclusions as natural diamonds do, though they may be referred to by other names on certifications than natural diamond inclusions (example: a lab diamond certification may list an inclusion as a ‘growth remnant’ rather than an ‘inclusion’).