Clarity

Almost all diamonds contain natural birthmarks referred to as inclusions. Given the incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a diamond, it is no surprise that diamonds have internal inclusions - scratches, blemishes, air bubbles or non-diamond mineral material - on their surface or inside the stone.

There are many different types of inclusions. The more common ones are:

Pinpoint
A very small white dot on or below the surface of the stone.

Carbons

A very small black dot on or below the surface of the stone.

Feathers

Small fissures within the stone, similar in look to broken glass. Whilst small internal feathers are harmless large feathers can become a problem because as the crack may grow with time.

Clouds

Hazy areas within a diamond made up of a multitude of small crystals that are impossible to see individually.

Crystal Growth

A small crystalline growth within the diamond. Looks like a small diamond within the host diamond.

Clarity is graded using a very precise and complex method of evaluating the size, location, and visibility of the inclusions. To determine a diamonds' clarity, an expert views it under 10 power magnification. In addition to internal inclusion, a diamond may also have some surface irregularities referred to as blemishes. The two phenomena of imperfection -inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external) make up the clarity grade.

The fewer the imperfection, the rarer and more valuable the diamond. Many inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent.

Clarity Grades

Clarity grades range from Flawless where under under 10x magnification a diamond is completely free of blemishes and inclusions to Imperfect 3 where diamonds possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eye - the shattered windscreen look.

FL Completely flawless. Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10 x magnifications when observed by experienced grader.		IF Internally flawless; has no inclusions when examined by experienced grader using 10 x magnifications, but will have some minor blemishes that can be removed by further polishing of the stone.

VVS1 - VVS2 Very very slightly included. Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for an experienced graders to see under 10 x magnifications.		VS1 - VS2 Very slightly included. Contains minute inclusions such as crystals, clouds, or feathers when observed with effort under 10x magnification.

SI1 - SI2 Slightly included contains inclusions (clouds, crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10x magnification, but not visible to the naked eye.		I1 - I3 Included. Contains inclusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10x magnification as well as being visible to the naked eye and many affect transparency and brilliance of the diamond.

Though flawless diamonds are the rarest, a diamond does not have to be flawless to be stunning. Diamonds with VVS and VS grades represent excellent choices for both value and appearance.

More affordable (and a great choice) are those diamonds which gemologists call "eye-clean" - diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are SI1 and SI2 and unless the recipient carries a jewellers' loupe they won't see the inclusions.

Incidentally, clarity flaws are much more readily visible in step cuts than in brilliant cuts so here it would be beneficial to consider purchasing a diamond with clarity greater than SI1.

How To Buy	Cut	Colour	Clarity	Carat

Clarity

Clarity Grades

FL

IF

VVS1 - VVS2

VS1 - VS2

SI1 - SI2

I1 - I3