Clarity refers to the presence of identifiable characteristics on and within the stone, namely blemishes and inclusions respectively.
It is no surprise at all that most diamonds have flaws. Think about the incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a diamond and the fact that natural diamonds are not grown in a sterile environment.
Inclusions
Refer to internal flaws like air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals.
Blemishes
Refer to surface flaws like scratches, pits, and chips. Some blemishes occur during the cutting processes (most often at the girdle).
However, for the purpose of grading diamonds, all flaws are called ‘inclusions’. Diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more highly valued than those with less clarity because they are rarer.
Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10x loupe magnification
F: Flawless
No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
FI: Internally Flawless
No internal flaws, but some surface flaws. Very rare.
VVS1-VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included
Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist.
VS1-VS2: Very SligSI1-SI2: Slightly Included
Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification.htly Included
Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.
I1-I2-I3: Included
Inclusions visible under 10x magnification as well as to the human eye. Not recommended for buying.
A diamond’s clarity grade has an impact on the diamond’s value, not on the unmagnified diamond’s appearance.
For clarity grades F to SI, inclusions are NOT visible to the naked eye.
While the presence of these clarity characteristics does lower the clarity grade of a diamond, they can also be viewed as proof of a diamond’s identify.
And while Flawless diamonds are the rarest, a diamond does not have to be flawless to be stunning.
