Diamond Guide: Clarity

The Diamond Guide: Clarity

What Does Clarity Mean?

Clarity is the absence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes on or in a diamond. It’s one of the four factors that describe and determine a diamond’s quality and value.

The Clarity Scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates diamond clarity from Flawless to Included. Professionals use specialised equipment to assess a diamond under 10x magnification, which allows their expert eyes to examine any imperfections — or lack thereof — up close. Once assessed, the clarity of the diamond is graded and added to the official certification report.

It’s important to remember that while a diamond may have inclusions or blemishes, these imperfections may not be visible to the untrained, unaided eye. Diamonds with inclusions or blemishes that aren’t visible to the naked eye are called ‘eye clean.’ If you’re looking for a high-clarity diamond, ensuring it is eye clean is the most important factor.

Clarity Scale

In 1953, the GIA standardised the grades of cut, colour, carat, and clarity (commonly referred to as the 4 C’s). Today, their 6-category, 11-level Clarity Scale is used around the world to determine the level of imperfections within a diamond.

Flawless (FL)

No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity, as it is nearly impossible to find a diamond that is completely inclusion-free.

Flawless diamonds are eye clean.

Internally Flawless (IF)

No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification. Some small surface blemishes may be present under a microscope.

Internally Flawless diamonds are eye clean.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Inclusions are characterised as minute and are so slight that they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.

VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are eye clean.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterised as minor.

VS1 and VS2 diamonds are generally eye clean.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.

Some SI1 and SI2 diamonds may have inclusions that are detectable to the unaided, untrained eye, while others do not.

Included (I1, I2, and I3)

Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance.

We do not carry Included grade diamonds as their imperfections are generally visible to the unaided, untrained eye.

How Important is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity plays a pivotal role in shaping a diamond’s overall appearance, quality, and value.

Appearance: Diamonds with heavy inclusions often appear duller, lacking the vibrant sparkle that higher-clarity diamonds can provide. Their brilliance is compromised by these internal flaws, making them less visually captivating.

Quality: A diamond riddled with inclusions can be more fragile and susceptible to damage, such as chipping. Inclusions can weaken the structure, making them less durable over time.

Price: Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and come with a hefty price tag due to their perfect clarity. On the other hand, diamonds that are eye clean or Slightly Included offer fantastic value while being more affordable, without compromising too much on their beauty.

Selection Tips

Choosing the perfect diamond can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with the complex world of cut, colour, carat, and clarity. Each factor plays a vital role, and the right balance of all four will depend on your individual preferences and budget. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to clarity:

The most crucial consideration when evaluating clarity is whether the diamond is eye clean. While Flawless diamonds are the epitome of clarity, any diamond that appears free from visible inclusions to the naked eye is still an excellent choice. Unless you plan on regularly inspecting your diamond under magnification, diamonds rated SI1 or higher will deliver exceptional quality without the premium cost of flawless diamonds.

To get the best value for your budget, consider exploring Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) or Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) diamonds. These options often appear eye clean while being significantly more affordable than diamonds with higher clarity grades.

Ultimately, the perfect diamond for you is the one that strikes a balance between the 4 C’s and fits your unique style and budget. If clarity matters most to you, consider a slightly smaller diamond with a warmer tone. If size is your top priority, you might opt for a larger diamond with a lower clarity or cut grade to achieve the carat weight you desire without compromising too much on your budget.

It’s always a good idea to see the diamond in person before making a decision, especially if you’re not yet familiar with how diamonds appear in real life. Viewing a diamond up close offers far more insight than online images or videos ever could. We highly recommend scheduling a showroom appointment where our experts can guide you through clarity and the other 4 C’s to help you find the ideal diamond.

If you’re considering a diamond with rectangular or step-cut facets, such as the emerald or Asscher cut, you’ll want to prioritise clarity. These cuts highlight transparency, and any inclusions or imperfections are more visible, making a higher clarity grade essential for achieving the best visual appeal.

Grades

Now that you have a better understanding of the characteristics involved in determining a diamond’s cut grade, let’s explore the scale to help you select the perfect diamond.

Excellent

A Super Ideal cut diamond boasts top-grade proportions, polish, and symmetry (often referred to as Triple Excellent by GIA/IGI). These diamonds represent the highest quality and deliver stunning, eye-catching sparkle.

Very Good

A Very Good cut diamond’s proportions fall just outside the ideal range, with polish and symmetry varying from the highest grades to more moderate levels. These diamonds still deliver incredible sparkle, offering great value at a more accessible price.

Good

A Good cut diamond’s proportions are slightly imperfect, but still allow ample light reflection. While it won’t have the same brightness as higher-grade cuts, good-cut diamonds offer great value and can be a more affordable option, depending on the balance of the other 4 C’s.

Fair

A Fair cut diamond lacks the light refraction of higher-grade diamonds. Gray areas or darkness within the table, girdle, or crown lead to reduced sparkle. While these diamonds can be more affordable, their lack of brilliance makes them less desirable for many customers.

Poor

Poor cut diamonds are generally not recommended, as light escapes through the pavilion or culet, resulting in a significant loss of fire and scintillation. Dark areas become prominent and detract from the overall appearance. We do not recommend or sell does not carry Poor cut diamonds.

Pricing

How Does Diamond Cut change the price of a stone?

Grades across all of the 4 C’s, including cut, can significantly affect a diamond’s price. In general, diamonds with higher cut grades come at a higher price due to the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail required for their creation. Choosing the right diamond is often a balancing act between your budget and the qualities you value most in a stone.

For instance, if sparkle is your top priority, you might choose to prioritize a higher cut grade and adjust other factors, like carat, color, or clarity, to stay within your budget. This allows you to get the brilliance you desire without overspending on other attributes.