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The 4 C’s of diamonds – Clarity

Diamond Clarity

Every diamond in is unique and has a special look that distinguishes it from every other diamond. The best way to observe between two diamonds is by their flaws. The larger flaws can easily be seen with the eye (no magnification aids) and the smaller ones can only be spotted with a loupe or a microscope. Clarity and Color are the only two C’s out of the four that human has very limited control over.

Clarity is measured by 11 different grades:

  1. FL – Flawless
  2. IF – Internally flawless
  3. VVS1 – Very very small inclusions
  4. VVS2 – Very very small inclusions
  5. VS1 – Very small inclusions
  6. VS1 – Very small inclusions
  7. SI1- small inclusions
  8. SI2- small inclusions
  9. I1 – Included
  10. I2 – Included
  11. I3 – Included

Flawless to VVS2 clarity diamonds have almost invisible flaws that can only be spotted with a magnification loupe or a microscope. Diamonds in the higher clarity grades are usually more expensive and rare.

The most purchased clarity grades are: VS1 – SI2 and these grades will be discussed further.

VS1 Clarity is basically flawless to the eye and almost flawless when observing a diamond with a loupe.

VS2 Clarity usually has a very small flaw/s that can be spotted with a loupe.

SI1 Clarity has a very small flaw/s that mostly can be spotted without using a loupe.

SI2 Clarity has a small visible to the eye flaw/s.

SI3 Clarity (does not exist with GIA certifications) has medium size flaw/s that is visible to the eye.

I1 Clarity has a medium to large flaw/s that can easily be seen with the eye.

I2 and I3 Clarity grades are called commercial diamonds. They are sometimes being used for jewelry purposes (depends the look and the size of the flaws) and have very large visible flaw/s.

At the end of the page you will find true diamonds pictures (by JamesAllen.com) in order to assist you visualize Clarity. One thing to know, FL (Flawless) to VS1 clarity diamonds look the same in this type of pictures since their inclusions are not visible. Therefore you will find pictures of VS2 clarity diamonds and below.

In regards to Clarity grading certifications it should be emphasized that: GIA bought themselves the best name in the industry in terms of accuracy. AGS certifications are good in that manner as well. The rest of the labs are not as recommend, although EGL labs in the US (EGL has a few locations around the world – Belgium, Israel, India and other locations) have improved greatly in the last few years.

Here are a few terms that will assist you finding your special diamond in regards to clarity:

Eye Clean: A diamond that appears to have no flaws when looking at it without any magnification aid: loupe or microscope.

Dark Inclusions: Inclusion that appear to be black, they can also be brown or gray.

White inclusions: are basically “good” inclusions, since they mix with the diamond look and do not affect it color wise.

Well located inclusion: Inclusions that are located either on the bottom of the diamond or around on the edges and sides. Inclusions that are located at the bottom are not visible to the eye when looking from. Inclusions that are located on the sides are not that visible and sometimes can be hidden with the setting itself or the setting prongs.

“Bad” inclusions: Very visible inclusions. These inclusions can are: large, badly located or reflective (one inclusion that due to its location in the diamond reflects and looks like a few inclusions).

Clarity enhanced diamonds: A whole article will be devoted to this subject soon. To summarize the subject: Clarity enhanced diamonds had one or few large inclusions that were treated, so that the inclusions were reduced or their color (of the inclusion) was treated to appear lighter.

There are few techniques that will be discussed in order to enhance a diamonds and make it look better in clarity.

Clarity enhanced diamonds are less expensive than a natural diamond with the same clarity grade (after a diamond is treated it will receive a modified clarity grade). If you are under a tight budget you might want to consider enhanced diamonds, but it is most recommend seeing them first, so there will be no surprises regarding the diamond’s look.

Good Luck