Diamond Clarity Guide: Understanding the 4Cs and Clarity Chart

When selecting a diamond, one of the key aspects that often puzzles buyers is the clarity factor – a term that encompasses a diamond’s internal and external characteristics.

Many people find the sheer number of potential flaws overwhelming, from tiny specks of un-crystalized carbon to minor surface scratches. It's natural to feel uncertain about how these imperfections impact the stone's beauty and value.

This blog will help you not only understand how diamonds are assessed for clarity but also how to make informed choices for stunning diamonds that fit your budget and style preferences.

Understanding Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity measures internal and external imperfections, collectively called inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions, like un-crystalized carbon, cracks, or twinning wisps, occur naturally during formation. Blemishes, such as scratches and polish lines, result from the cutting process.

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare and highly prized.
• Internally Flawless (IF): No internal inclusions but may have minor surface blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Still very rare and valuable.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Contains minute inclusions that are difficult to spot, even under 10x magnification. Offers exceptional quality without reaching the FL/IF level.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification but not visible to the naked eye. Balances high quality and affordability.
• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): Inclusions are more apparent under 10x magnification and may sometimes be visible to the naked eye, especially in larger stones. A popular choice for balancing beauty and cost.
• Included (I1, I2, I3): Inclusions are visible under magnification and to the naked eye, potentially affecting durability and brilliance. Often used in lower-priced jewelry.

Clarity interacts with color; inclusions may stand out more in faintly tinted diamonds than in colorless ones. Settings also on the other hand, influences perception, as prongs or bezels can hide imperfections.

Check out the top-tier, flawless GH-VS and EF-VVS quality diamond jewelry collection at Everyday!

By understanding how clarity grades, color, and settings interact, you can make informed decisions that balance beauty and value. 

Also read: Diamond Types: Cuts, Names, Clarity & Colors Explained

To delve deeper, let’s explore how inclusions and blemishes impact a diamond’s overall appearance and quality.

Identifying Inclusions and Blemishes in Diamonds

Diamond clarity refers to the imperfections—both internal and external—that affect a diamond's appearance and durability. Inclusions, or internal flaws, are key to determining clarity. 

These might include uncrystallized carbon or trapped minerals like garnets or peridots. Dark or colored inclusions can be more noticeable. Feathers, small fractures within the diamond, can weaken its strength and clarity, especially if they reach the surface. 

Graining, or visible growth patterns, can sometimes give a hazy or milky look. On the surface, diamonds may show blemishes—scratches, pits, or chips—typically from polishing or regular wear. While minor flaws don’t usually affect a diamond’s appearance, chips along the edges can impact both beauty and durability.

Clarity affects both the diamond's visual appeal and its structural integrity. Let’s now look at how clarity grades define these characteristics.   

Factors For Assessing Diamond Clarity

When grading a diamond's clarity, various elements come into play. The process demands a keen eye and careful examination. Experts employ a face-up inspection and tools like a 10x loupe or microscope to scrutinize the gem's inclusions and blemishes.

This meticulous assessment aims to map out the 'fingerprints' of each diamond, which involve evaluating the size, nature, number, position, and relief of inclusions.

• Inclusion Size and Its Significance 

A prominent factor in clarity grading is the size of an inclusion. Larger inclusions tend to impact the grade more significantly, though their effect can vary depending on the diamond's overall size.

For instance, a small inclusion might barely affect a large diamond but become a major concern in a smaller one.

• Number and Nature of Inclusions 

The quantity of inclusions also matters. While one large inclusion can affect clarity, numerous small imperfections scattered throughout can be just as influential. Similarly, the nature of these inclusions—whether they are cloudy, clear, or colored—contributes to the overall clarity score.

• Inclusions' Position and Visibility 

An inclusion's position within the diamond is crucial. Imperfections near the girdle often have less impact on appearance and clarity grading than those on the table or closer to the pavilion facets, where they can cause distracting reflections.

Deeper placements in diamonds are generally less visible than those near the surface.

• Relief and Color Contrast 

The prominence—or relief—of an inclusion, based on its color contrast with the diamond, also plays a significant role. Darker inclusions stand out against the sparkling backdrop of a diamond, whereas lighter ones might blend more seamlessly, exerting less influence on clarity grades.

The clarity grading systems developed by trusted institutions like the GIA ensure precision and reliability, helping buyers understand a diamond’s unique characteristics. 

With this foundation, let’s explore how to choose the right clarity grade to match your needs and preferences.

Choosing the Right Clarity Grade for Your Needs

Many people assume that only diamonds with the highest clarity grades are worth buying. While Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are stunning, focusing solely on these grades isn’t always practical or necessary.

Diamonds with top clarity grades are exceptionally rare, and their prices reflect that rarity. Instead, it’s worth considering how clarity impacts visibility and cost. 

Eye-clean diamonds, such as those graded VS1, VS2, or even SI1, offer similar visual appeal to the unaided eye as FL or IF diamonds but come at a much lower price.

Shop FL, IF, GH-VS, and EF-VVS quality diamond necklaces at Everyday!

For instance, a VS2 diamond can appear just as brilliant as an FL diamond while being far more budget-friendly. Choosing a slightly lower clarity grade allows you to invest in more noticeable factors like the diamond’s cut or size, which often have a greater impact on its overall appearance.

The differences between clarity grades are often subtle. VVS diamonds (Very Very Slightly Included) have inclusions so tiny that even magnification struggles to reveal them. 

Similarly, VS (Very Slightly Included) and some SI (Slightly Included) diamonds can retain excellent brilliance if their inclusions are small and well-positioned.

While I-grade diamonds may have visible flaws that impact their brilliance and durability, clarity ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. 

Let’s explore how to balance quality and cost when selecting the right clarity grade for your diamond.

Balancing Quality and Cost: Choosing the Right Clarity Grade

Choosing the right clarity grade is key to balancing a diamond's appearance and cost. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Don’t Overpay for Higher Grades: While a flawless (FL) diamond is stunning, a VS1 or VS2 diamond often looks just as eye-clean to the naked eye and is significantly more affordable. This allows you to achieve both quality and financial practicality.
• Consider Diamond Shape and Size:
• For round brilliant cuts under 1 carat, a clarity grade of VS2 or SI1 is usually sufficient.
• Larger diamonds often require a higher clarity grade, such as VS1 or VS2, to maintain visual appeal.
• Factor in Facet Patterns:
• Step cuts (e.g., emerald, Asscher): Their large tables make inclusions more visible, so a VS2 grade or higher is recommended.
• Shapes like cushion, oval, or marquise: These can often hide inclusions better, making eye-clean diamonds in the SI1 to SI2 range a viable option.
• Prioritize Eye-Clean Diamonds: The absence of visible inclusions or blemishes to the naked eye is more important than achieving a higher clarity grade. Eye-clean diamonds combine aesthetic appeal with cost efficiency.

It's also worth considering the setting of the diamond, as it can help obscure certain inclusions. Opting for a setting that covers any visible imperfections can enhance the diamond’s look without the added expense of a higher clarity grade.

Finally, consultation with a professional gemologist and thorough examination of the GIA certificate are valuable steps in ensuring that your diamond choice aligns with your expectations and budget.

Dive Deep: Understanding Differences Between Diamond Certification Labs in India

Choosing the Right Diamond Clarity

Choosing the right diamond clarity is a crucial step in finding a piece that balances beauty and value. At Everyday, we offer a wide selection of diamonds that cater to all preferences, from flawless clarity to eye-clean options that deliver exceptional sparkle without breaking the bank.