Learn about Diamond Clarity

The natural imperfections in diamonds are called inclusions - minerals or crystals trapped inside the stone during its formation. The characteristics of the inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond. Diamonds that have no inclusions will reflect more light and are very rare. Nearly all diamonds contain these inclusions, or tiny "birthmarks," which make each stone unique. Most are unseen to the unaided eye; jewelers need magnifiers to identify them.

Diamond Clarity
(level of inclusions)

Clarity refers to how clear a diamond is. Most diamonds have natural imperfections, called inclusions, graded on a scale as shown here.

Diamonds that are absolutely clear are the most sought-after and therefore the most expensive. But many diamonds have inclusions - scratches, trace minerals or other tiny characteristics that can detract from the pure beauty of the diamond. The GIA and AGSL use a detailed system of rules and standards to summarize the number, location, size, and type of inclusions present in a diamond.

	FL, IF Diamonds: Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.
	VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds: Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
	VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
	SI1, SI2 Diamonds: Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. Be sure to call Jewelry By Net for a consultation if you're considering a specific SI diamond. A good diamond value.
	I1, I2, I3 Diamonds: Included: Jewelry By Net does not carry diamonds of I-grade clarity.

What Clarity Test Is Best?

We recommend that you select an "eye-clean" diamond — one that has no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. An excellent value, diamonds of this clarity are much less expensive than IF- or FL-grade diamonds and typically do not contain visible inclusions that detract from the beauty of the diamond. If you're considering an SI grade diamond, call to speak to a diamond and jewelry consultant who will review the diamond to ensure the inclusions are not visible with the unaided eye. But, if you'd rather not compromise on clarity yet are budget conscious, choose a diamond with a good cut and G or H color.

The table below compares the prices of diamonds with the same carat weight, color, and cut grades.

How To Evaluate Diamond Clarity

Clarity is a term used to describe the absence or presence of flaws inside or on the surface of a diamond or other gemstone. A perfect stone with perfect clarity--clearness--is rare, and most flaws that do exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at stones through a jeweler's magnifying loupe.

Terms Used to Describe Diamond Clarity

Diamond Inclusions

Imperfections, or flaws, inside a diamond.

Tiny spots of white, black, or other colors.

Cracks. Some cause no problems at all. Other could cause the stone to split.

Colored and uncolored crystals.
Diamond Blemishes

Flaws on a diamond's exterior surface.

Many exterior flaws are the result of the cutting and polishing process. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond clarity using 10X magnification.

They tag diamonds as:

Fl, Flawless

No internal or external flaws.

IF, Internally Flawless

No internal flaws. Slight external blemishes.
VVS1 & VVS2, Very, very slightly included.

Minute inclusions. Difficult for even an experienced grader to detect.
VS1 & VS2, Very slightly included

Minute inclusions. Not easily seen by an experienced grader.
SI1 & SI2, Slightly included

Inclusions that are noticeable to an experienced grader.
I1 & I2 & I3, Included

Obvious inclusions that may affect transparency and brilliance.
Don't be concerned if the clarity of the diamond you choose is not near the top the scale, because those diamonds are rare—and expensive.

If you read the detailed explanations for each clarity category, you'll find that most flaws cannot be seen without magnification, even by an experienced jeweler. Most are tiny imperfections that do not affect a diamond's brilliance. It often isn't until you reach the bottom level of "I" categories that imperfections begin to detract from the beauty of the diamond.

Location of Flaws that Affect Diamond Clarity

It's important to consider where the flaw is located in relation to the diamond's cut. Some flaws are more noticeable when positioned in specific areas of the stone. Others may be more hidden. Ask your jeweler for more advice on the positioning of flaws.

In her book "Diamonds, The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide," the author encourages us to get to know the imperfections within our diamonds, pointing out that since no two are alike, they provide an important road map that may help us identify our property later.

Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Diamond clarity can be enhanced with treatments, but not all enhancement techniques are permanent. The two most popular treatments are:
Laser Treatments

A laser is used to remove some types of inclusions. An experienced jeweler can usually see the trail left by the laser.
Laser treatments are permanent.

Fracture Filling

Tiny cracks in a diamond are filled with a colorless substance.

Fracture filling is not considered permanent.

Treatments allow us to own a diamond that appears to be of a higher clarity than it truly is. Treated diamonds should cost less, so it's important to buy diamonds from a jeweler you trust, one who evaluates and discloses any type of treatment that's been performed.

Clarity is just one element you must consider before you buy a diamond. You'll look at its color, its cut, its carat weight, its price and many other factors. Your quest to purchase a diamond is kind of like a large jigsaw puzzle. It's only when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place that you find the perfect diamond for you.