Diamond Clarity

What is diamond clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the minor defects, or inclusions, on the surface and within a diamond or gemstone. These inclusions or blemishes can include small cracks, bubbles, and other mineral deposits that may have formed inside the diamond during its formation process or on its surface.

How are diamond clarity grades determined?

Diamond clarity is determined by examining the diamond under a microscope or a jeweler's loupe with 10x magnification. The inclusions and blemishes in the diamond are then assessed and graded based on their type, size, location, number, and overall effect on the diamond's appearance.

When grading a diamond's clarity, the grader will look for inclusions and blemishes on the diamond's surface and inside the stone. They will also consider the location of the inclusions and blemishes and how they affect the diamond's brilliance and sparkle.

What are the different diamond clarity grades?

The diamond clarity grade scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). The exact clarity grading scale is as follows:

Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF): Diamonds with no visible inclusions or blemishes when examined under 10x magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Diamonds with inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Diamonds with inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification but are minor and do not affect the diamond's overall appearance.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Diamonds with inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye.
Included (I1, I2, and I3): Diamonds with inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and can affect the diamond's appearance and durability.

diamond clarity grades

Which diamond clarity should I choose?

Here's the thing about clarity, generally anything graded above slightly included (SI 1/ SI 2) are going to be what we call "eye clean", meaning that the inclusions are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Opting for Slightly Included and Very Slight Included diamonds is a great value for your money, for the reasons listed above. As with color, the larger the diamond the greater the chance of seeing inclusions with the naked eye, so keep that in mind when choosing diamond 1 or 2 carats and above.

diamond clarity faq

The short answer is yes, diamond clarity is one of the 4Cs and is an important factor is determining a diamond's overall quality and value.

However, if you're looking for a little compromise in the 4Cs (especially to help fit a budget) then diamond clarity is one area with some flexibility. Let us explain, a really good SI1/SI2 clarity grade diamond is going to be what we call "eye clean", meaning that the inclusions or blemishes aren't visible to the naked eye. So in this instance, if you were to choose an SI1 or SI2 diamond you'd still likely get a very clean high-quality diamond (that would only show blemishes under magnification) while also saving a great deal of money on the stone itself versus a VS2 graded diamond or higher.

Diamond I1 clarity is considered a lower clarity grade on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale, which ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, and I3). I1 diamonds have inclusions that are often visible to the naked eye, although the exact visibility of the inclusions will depend on their size, location, and type.

While I1 diamonds may have some inclusions visible to the naked eye, they can still be good choices for certain purposes, budget ranges, or types of jewelry. For example, an I1 diamond might be a good option for a diamond engagement ring if you prioritize a larger carat size or want to stay within a certain budget. Also, an I1 clarity would be a good value choice for diamond stud earrings or necklace as the diamonds would be smaller in size and the inclusions less noticeable.

Ultimately, the decision of whether an I1 diamond is "good" or not depends on your personal preferences and budget.

SI2 clarity diamonds are excellent value graded diamonds when comparing quality and cost considerations. Diamond clarity SI2 is technically considered a lower to medium grade on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale, which ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, and I3). SI2 diamonds have slight inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification, and they may or may not be visible to the naked eye depending on the size, location, and type of inclusions.

The reason SI2 is such a great value grade is because the grade itself will lower the cost of the diamond, but since inclusions are generally only visible under magnification (and no one is examining your jewelry on the street or at dinner with a microscope..) then you're getting great value for an eye-clean diamond.

SI2 diamonds can be a good choice for certain purposes and budget ranges. For example, they might be a good option for diamond stud earrings or diamond pendants, where the smaller size of the diamonds and the distance from the eye make the inclusions less visible. They might also be a good option if you want to prioritize a larger carat size or stay within a certain budget.

Yes, diamond clarity can affect the sparkle or brilliance of a diamond. Clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes, which are internal and external characteristics that can affect the diamond's appearance. Inclusions are typically small minerals, crystals, or other imperfections that are trapped inside the diamond during its formation, while blemishes are surface imperfections caused by cutting or wear.

Inclusions can interfere with the path of light as it enters and exits the diamond, scattering and blocking some of the light and reducing the diamond's overall sparkle and brilliance. The size, location, and number of inclusions can also affect the diamond's sparkle. In general, diamonds with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have more sparkle and brilliance.

However, it's important to note that other factors, such as cut, color, and carat weight, also play a role in a diamond's overall sparkle and beauty. A well-cut diamond with good proportions and symmetry can maximize the diamond's sparkle, even if it has some inclusions. Conversely, a poorly cut diamond with perfect clarity might not have as much sparkle as a well-cut diamond with some inclusions.

Diamond Clarity

What is diamond clarity?

How are diamond clarity grades determined?

What are the different diamond clarity grades?

Which diamond clarity should I choose?

diamond clarity faq

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