Clarity

Diamond clarity means finding out characteristics of a diamond, including the blemishes and inclusions. If you consider the pressure that a diamond is created, and that they are not produced in sterile laboratory, you will be not be surprised to find that most of these diamonds are not free of flaws.


Usually there are two kinds of flaws found in diamonds – blemishes and inclusions. Inclusions are naturally occurring internal flaws that are found in diamonds including cracks, air bubbles, and mineral. However, most blemishes occur at the time of cutting process. The diamonds that have less blemishes and inclusions are considered valuable as compared to those that have more.


GIA certificates consist of a diamonds inclusion plot, as there is no similarity between two diamonds. The plot of the GIA certificate ensures the worth of the diamond you are planning to buy. It lets you have the assurance that the diamond you are receiving is the one you have paid for. If you are in a fix about what clarity grade you should choose, flawless is the best and rarest clarity grade.

Round-cut diamond gemstone

FL

Flawless

No inclusions and no blemishes visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round, faceted diamond, reflecting light, viewed from above

IF

Internally Flawless
No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round, clear diamond with many facets reflecting light

VVS1

Very, Very Slightly Included

Minute inclusions that range from extremely difficult to very difficult to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round-cut diamond gemstone

VVS2

Very, Very Slightly Included

Minute inclusions that range from extremely difficult to very difficult to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round, faceted diamond, radiating light

VS1

Very Slightly Included

Minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round, clear diamond with many facets reflecting light

VS2

Very Slightly Included

Minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round-cut diamond with many facets, reflecting light and appearing brilliant and sparkly

SI1

Slightly Included

Noticeable inclusions that range from easy to very easy to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round-cut diamond with facets reflecting light

SI2

Slightly Included

Noticeable inclusions that range from easy to very easy to see are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

Round-cut diamond with many facets, reflecting light and appearing brilliant and sparkly

I1

Included

Obvious inclusions are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.

Round, brilliant-cut diamond, faceted with multiple sides, reflecting light

I2

Included

Obvious inclusions are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.

Round, brilliant-cut diamond gem, white, sparkling facets

I3

Included

Obvious inclusions are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.