Diamond Clarity
Clarity relates to the existence of the internal and external characteristics of a diamond. These characteristics are often referred to as inclusions or birthmarks, which appear within or on the surface of the diamond. Inclusions may be crystals, foreign material or structural imperfections that appear as tiny cracks. The number, size, location, and visibility all affect the ability of light to pass into and out of the diamond freely, therefore affecting the brilliance.
In the 1950's the Gemological Institute of America developed a diamond clarity grading scale ranging from I3 to flawless. The 'flawless' diamond is most sought after and deemed ‘extremely rare’.
The illustration below gives an example of the inclusions or birthmarks that can be seen within the stone under a 10x magnification.
Diamond Clarity Grading Table
The following grading table gives the official grade, description and accurate comments of the various diamond clarity grades.
|
Grade |
Description |
Comments |
|
FL |
Flawless |
No internal flaws or external flaws on the stone. Extremely rare diamond. |
|
IF |
Internally Flawless |
No internal flaws but 1 or 2 very small surface flaws, undetectable to naked eye. Extremely rare diamond. |
|
VVS1 |
Very, Very Slightly Included |
Very difficult to see marks under 10x magnification. An excellent and rare diamond. |
|
VVS2 |
Very, Very Slightly Included |
Very difficult to see marks under 10x magnification. An excellent and rare diamond. |
|
VS1 |
Very Slightly Included |
Inclusions not visible to the naked eye. Difficult to see marks under 10x magnification. |
|
VS2 |
Very Slightly Included |
Inclusions not visible to the naked eye. Difficult to see marks under 10x magnification. |
|
SI1 |
Slightly Included |
Inclusions not visible to the naked eye. Inclusions visible under 10x magnification. |
|
SI2 |
Slightly Included |
Inclusions not visible to the naked eye. Inclusions visible under 10x magnification. |
|
SI3 |
Slightly Included |
Some marks visible to naked eye. Inclusions visible under 10x magnification. |
|
I1 / I2 / I3 |
Included |
Marks visible with naked eye. |
