Diamond Clarity
Diamond Clarity
Clarity refers to imperfections that can be seen in the diamond. This is widely talked about by consumers as being very important, but in most cases it has a very small relation to the diamonds sparkle and appearance. The reason for this is that these imperfections are microscopic. Natural inclusions or blemishes are in almost 99.9% of all diamonds. They are measured and graded on a scale of how many, what size, where they are located, and whether they can be seen with the unaided eye. When gemologists categorize a diamond in a certain clarity grade they review it with a 10x jewelers magnification loupe.
Clarity Gradings
FL/IF Diamonds: Flawless diamonds
These have no inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification. This is extremely rare, very beautiful, and very expensive.
VVS1/VVS2 Diamonds: Very Very Slightly Included
It is very difficult to spot any inclusion under a 10x magnification. They are eye clean diamonds, beautiful and expensive.
VS1/VS1 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included
The inclusions are not visible to the eye, and are difficult to see under 10x magnification. Excellent quality diamonds.
SI1/SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included
The inclusions in these diamonds are usually not visible to the unaided eye, but are visible under a 10x magnification. These diamonds are of very good quality and value to the consumer.
I1/I2 Diamonds: Included
These diamonds have visible inclusions to the unaided eye.
Which Clarity is best for me?
SI-1 clarity diamonds are of great value and quality. They are diamonds with inclusions not visible to the unaided eye, and they are more affordable then VS1/VS2 diamonds. If budget is not of much importance then a diamond in the VS range is a excellent diamond that will also not have any visible inclusion to the unaided eye.