One of the four qualities we look for in a diamond is clarity. Diamonds are clear because the carbon atoms they are made of are connected very tightly in what is called a sigma bond. This is because diamonds were formed deep under the earth under lots of heat and pressure. Diamonds are not perfectly clear because little bits of other elements other than carbon are mixed in with the very hard-bonded carbon. In a gem quality diamond the imperfections or impurities reduce its clarity. Better and clearer diamonds have fewer impurities. But these inclusions also make the diamond that you buy totally unique.

The clarity of a diamond can be graded using the scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America, the GIA. So, diamonds can be similar in this manner. But the types of inclusions, their size, location, and numbers always differ from one diamond to another.

The impurities or inclusions in a diamond directly affect its sparkle, brilliance, and fire. The carbon atoms so tightly bonded in a diamond allow light to pass back and forth as it reflects off of the interior surfaces of a well-cut diamond. This is what creates the sparkle, brilliance, and fire of a diamond. But the inclusions in a diamond block that light. The GIA diamond clarity scale allows us to accurately and consistently grade diamonds by how well they allow light to pass and therefore how well they will sparkle.

What to Remember about Clarity

·         Clarity of a diamond is one of the 4 C’s used to grade a diamond. These are cut color, clarity, and carat.

·         Clarity is the third most important factor after cut and color.

·         Diamonds with the fewest inclusions are the clearest and highest on the GIA grading scale.

·         The best value for your diamond shopping dollar comes from an Sl1 clarity grade. These diamonds have very tiny inclusions visible only if examined very closely.

Only the rarest diamonds of the highest quality have no inclusions or blemishes. These are the terms that gemologists use. A low clarity grade diamond will have blemishes easily visible to the naked eye. And a high clarity grade diamond will only reveal its inclusions to an expert with a 10 power microscope. The important part for you in buying a diamond is that its clarity allows it to sparkle, be brilliant, and have fire.

Grading Scale of Diamond Clarity

On the GIA diamond clarity grading scale, gem-quality diamonds range from FL to I3. Diamonds are examined by the naked eye and with the use of a 10 power microscope to determine their clarity grade.

Flawless: FL

This is an extremely rare diamond and an object of perfection. Less than one gem quality diamond in a thousand makes this clarity grade. The diamonds in this grade are usually smaller in size and are the most expensive. When this diamond is examined by an expert grader at 10 times magnification there are no blemishes or inclusions. Ask our gemologists about flawless clarity grade diamonds.

Internally Flawless: IF

An internally flawless or IF diamond has no internal imperfections.  When it is examined by a professional grader with ten power magnification the diamond is as perfect inside as a flawless or IF diamond. However, diamonds that grade in this category have tiny surface blemishes which do not affect its sparkle. The jeweler may describe these surface blemishes as polish lines. Only a skilled clarity grader with a microscope will see these. Ask our gemologists about internally flawless clarity grade diamonds.

Very, Very Slightly Included 1: VVS1

This diamond has very tiny inclusions. Even with a ten power microscope many diamond experts will still miss these. The inclusions in this diamond are so minor that there is no effect on the diamond’s sparkle. The inclusions in this clarity grade are visible only when the expert examines the diamond with magnification, looking through the pavilion, which is the bottom of the diamond when placed in a setting. This is what is called an “eye-clean” diamond as the tiny imperfections are not visible to the naked eye. Ask our gemologists about very, very slightly included 1 clarity grade diamonds.

Very, Very Slightly Included 2: VVS2

This is very clear diamond and the only inclusions are minute. The blemishes in this stone are only slightly more visible than in the VVS1 grade. Sparkle and brilliance of this diamond are essentially the same as the three higher grades in this eye-clean diamond. The inclusions in this gem require a ten power microscope to see them and are usually of the cloud, feather, natural, or pinpoint varieties. This clarity grade is the best value of the higher grades. Ask our gemologists about very, very slightly included 2 clarity grade diamonds.

Very Slightly Included 1: VS1

Diamonds this clarity grade have very tiny blemishes seen only with 10 power magnification. This is a diamond where the inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye and whose sparkle is only barely reduced. Diamonds make this grade based on the small size of their inclusions. Common blemishes in this grade include crystal, needle, cloud, feather, and indented natural. Ask our gemologists about very, slightly included 1 clarity grade diamonds.

Very Slightly Included 2: VS2

In this clarity grade, the inclusions are only slightly larger when seen under magnification when in the next grade up, the VS1. And this is still a diamond whose blemishes are not seen with the naked eye. Its price makes this diamond attractive as buyers of this clarity grade can then focus on cut, color, and carat to get the most attractive diamond for their money. Inclusions seen in VS2 clarity grade diamonds include feather, crystal, indented cloud, natural, and twinning wisp. The sparkle of these diamonds is only slightly reduced. Ask our gemologists about very, slightly included 2 clarity grade diamonds.

Slightly Included 1: Sl1

This is the first clarity grade in which inclusions may be visible to the naked eye. This grade of diamond may have one or two larger inclusions or a number of smaller ones. And the inclusions may be dead center where they are easy to see or off the side where they are less obvious. The degree to which this diamond’s sparkle is affected will also be determined by size and placement of blemishes. Twinning wisp, knot, cloud, and indented natural are common inclusion types seen in an Sl1 clarity grade diamond.

This is where you will want to consult with our gemologists. The better choice is often to pick a diamond with more and smaller inclusions rather than a single larger one. Also, the placement of the blemishes is critical to sparkle and whether or not inclusions will be easily visible to the naked eye. Blemishes off center and close the girdle of the stone are preferred in an Sl1 clarity grade diamond. Also, make sure that the inclusion type is not such as to make the diamond appear milky or cloudy. Examine these diamonds on a case by case basis. Ask our gemologists about slightly included 1 clarity grade diamonds.

Slightly Included 2: Sl2

The inclusions in an Sl2 clarity grade diamond are often visible to the naked eye but the diamond still has a strong sparkle. Like with the Sl1 grade it is important to choose a stone in which inclusions are off center or where there are several smaller inclusions instead of one very obvious one. The GIA clarity grade report will help you determine this as well as when you examine the diamond yourself. These diamonds can offer great value if chosen properly.

The Sl2 diamonds to avoid are ones with a cloudy inclusion or a crystal directly in the center. Crystal inclusions in this grade are usually black which makes them obvious even without the use of magnification. Other inclusions include feathers, knots, and twinning wisps. Ask our gemologists about slightly included 2 clarity grade diamonds.

Included 1: I1

You will not need a magnifying glass to see inclusions in this diamond grade if you examine it closely. However, the I1 grade diamond still has a bright sparkle. For the diamond buyer on a budget, this can be a great choice. You are getting the same sort of sparkle as a higher grade stone. And the inclusion will not necessarily be visible when the diamond is in its setting and being worn in normal viewing conditions. As with all grade with visible inclusions, avoid a large and central blemish or a cloudy one that makes the diamond appear milky.

Inclusions typically seen in an included 1 clarity grade are knots, activities, clouds, feathers, and large crystals.

Clarity grades below I1

We do not carry clarity grade I2 and I3 diamonds. At this grading level, the inclusions definitely interfere with the sparkle of the gem. And, the inclusions can be obvious enough to detract from the beauty of the diamond. Try to choose a diamond no lower than the inclusion 1 level if your budget dictates a diamond with inclusions. Look for stones with several peripheral instead of a single large and central blemish. Inclusions near the edges of the diamond can often be covered with prongs when the diamond is set. And, try to avoid stones with hazy or cloudy inclusions at they will rob the diamond of its sparkle completely. As always consult with or gemologists when choosing any clarity grade for a diamond. Ask our gemologists about included clarity grade diamonds.

Diamond Clarity Grade and Price

The range of clarity grades is smaller than that for color. Thus, the price differential between grades will be more substantial. And, as with color, the higher the grade, the greater the price jumps from one to another. The very clearest diamonds are very rare and therefore very expensive.

The price difference from one grade to another is from 15% to 25%. And, within a clarity grade price can vary from 5% to 15%. The locations of inclusions, their types, their number, and their size will all affect price with a given clarity grade. For example, if an Sl1 grade diamond has a single central black crystal inclusion it will be significantly less valuable than one with a feather inclusion in the periphery where it can be covered by a prong in the setting.

A Parting Thought about Clarity and Pricing

Everything has a reason. Perhaps you have discovered a very inexpensive diamond within a given clarity grade range. If you do not know why it is priced so low, ask the gemologist. Folks in the business of supplying diamonds know their business. If you do not know why the diamond seems so cheap you need to ask and avoid finding out later and being unhappy.

Sound Advice on Choosing a Clarity Grade

·         The choice of diamond clarity should fit your choice of cut, color, and carat. For example, you would never choose a low I1 clarity grade for a diamond with a top of the line D color grade.

·         Clarity grades are VS2 and SI1 common purchases. These grades provide an excellent sparkle at the most affordable price.

·         Always avoid diamonds with central inclusions.

·         Avoid diamonds with a single large inclusion.

·         A lot of small but barely noticeable inclusions may not be a bad thing.

·         Inclusions are harder to see in diamonds smaller than 0.75 carat.

·         For diamonds larger than 0.75 carats consider buying at Sl1 grade or higher as inclusions are easier to see in larger stones.

·         When choosing a lower clarity grade, choose a higher grade cut. An excellent cut can help mask clarity issues and keep brilliance and sparkle at a maximum.

·         When choosing a diamond with inclusions, it is better if the blemish is not in the table or central facet of the gem.

·         The best location for inclusions is beneath the bezel facets or adjacent to the girdle. These are harder to see and are often covered by the setting.

·         Cuts and shapes affect clarity issues. Brilliant cuts like round, princess, oval, pear, cushion, and marquise do a better job of hiding inclusions than Asscher and emerald cuts. If you want a step cut diamond expect to go up one clarity grade to compensate.

What an Expert Will Advise Regarding Diamond Clarity

Always choose an “eye-clean” diamond. These have no visible inclusions when viewed without magnification. Diamonds in the grade range are excellent values because they have sparkle, brilliance, and fire like higher grade stones and no one is going to see the inclusions. These stones are much more common than flawless and internally flawless diamonds so the prices are much more affordable.

If you want a clarity grade Sl1 or Sl2 diamond call to talk to a diamond consultant. Ask them to examine the gem and make sure that the stone’s imperfections cannot be seen by the naked eye.

If you are looking at VS2 grade or lower ask to see an image or even a video of the diamond. You want to make sure that within your clarity grade that you are getting the best diamond with the least problems caused by size and location of inclusions. The gemologist will have a professional eye for this sort of issue and can help you.

GIA certified diamonds that are smaller than one carat do not have a plot of exactly where the diamond inclusions are located. For any diamonds with a grade less than VS2 make sure to ask the gemologist to evaluate for inclusions that might be too visible or unsightly. It is never a problem to double check the results of GIA certification because this diamond will belong to you and not them!

How Do Gemologists Grade Clarity?

All diamond clarity grading is done using 10 power magnification. The gemologist searches for and identifies as many inclusions as he or she can. These inclusions are listed by type in GIA dossier that comes with the certification. For diamonds larger than 1.0 carat, the gemologist plots the locations of all of the inclusions.

Clarity grading of diamonds is done by trained gemologists but this is still a subjective art. The gemologist notes and records the type, location, size, and the total number of inclusions. The grade is based on the size, position, color and the number of inclusions.

When grading a diamond of 1.0 carat or larger the gemologist plots out the inclusions by location within the diamond. The plot is a sketch of the diamond with its face up. The sketch includes all inclusions noted by symbol and by precise location. This comes with the GIA certificate. If you are buying a 1.0 carat or larger diamond, do not just look at the plot. Look at the listing of inclusions and the final grade assigned. Internal inclusions on a GIA plot are shown in red and surface imperfections are noted in green. If the diamond has extra facets these are noted in black. The reason you want to double check the clarity grade given is that the plot does not always tell you how bad the individual inclusions are! And, be sure to look at any written comments that come with the certificate as these will explain about inclusions that are not visible.

The bottom line here is that if a 1.0 carat or larger diamond has a very full and busy-looking plot of inclusions it is not the most desirable gem.

The Inclusions found in Diamonds

A diamond with inclusions is extremely rare and extremely valuable. The vast majority of diamonds have naturally occurring imperfections. These make each diamond unique. And, there are several types of imperfections that you will see recorded on a GIA clarity grading document. Here are the perfections seen in diamond grading reports.

Feather Inclusion

This is a break in the surface of the diamond. The break spreads into the interior of the diamond as well. This occurs naturally and is a common clarity issue. A feather inclusion is typically transparent and may be almost invisible. However, the break in the continuity of the diamond affects the light passing through the gem. While a feather may be invisible when viewed from one angle it may appear gray or white from another. A large feather that lies too close to the surface will be more visible.

Crystal Inclusion

A crystal is an inclusion that formed within the diamond. It is a foreign substance different from the tightly bonded carbon that is a diamond and its color will depend on the substance. The most common crystal inclusion colors are simply black and white. White crystals are not all that distracting provided that they are not so large as to interfere with internal light passage and the diamond’s sparkle. But, large black crystals can be easily visible to the naked eye. Black crystals are simply carbon that is not as tightly bonded and therefore transparent as the rest of the diamond. There are other crystal colors. They are problems if they are too numerous or too large and centrally located.

Cloud Inclusion

This inclusion is like its namesake in the sky. It is a haziness which in a diamond is caused by many, many tiny inclusions in a cluster. The individual inclusions are so small that they cannot be isolated with ten power magnification. But the overall effect is the hazy or cloudy appearance. This type of inclusion is not much of an issue when the cloud is small and off to the side of the diamond. When the cloud inclusion is large it blocks light passing back and forth within the diamond and robs the gem of its sparkle, brilliance, and fire. Because cloud inclusions can be very faint, it is easier to spot such a blemish by comparing to a diamond side by side with a diamond without inclusions. One simply appears cloudy and the other does not.

Pinpoint Inclusion

When inclusions are larger than those in a cloud they can be identified with magnification. These are so small that it takes a lot of them to affect the clarity of a diamond.

Natural Inclusion

When diamonds are mined they have a rough exterior. This dull and rough shell is removed with the manufacturing process and final cutting. When a tiny remnant of the original rough exterior of the diamond remains that is a natural inclusion. When found, these are usually on the girdle of the cut stone.

Indented Natural Inclusion

If a diamond cutter attempts to maintain diamond weight in a difficult cut, he or she may retain enough of the exterior of the rough stone that some extends into the body of the diamond. Unlike a natural inclusion, this is a rough dent in the diamond. When found, an indented natural inclusion is near the diamond girdle.

Needle Inclusion

This inclusion is a long and thin crystal inside the body of the diamond. The thickness of this inclusion is no more than that of a pinpoint inclusion and its length is often that of a feather inclusion. These inclusions are only noticeable if there are lots of them and they are in clusters. Then they break up internal light passage and reduce the sparkle.

Knot Inclusion

This is a crystal inclusion that, unlike the needle, extends out to the surface of the diamond. When the knot inclusion is large it is easily seen without magnification.

Chips

This is not an inclusion but the result of wear and tear. It is a small break in the surface of the diamond, typically at or near facet junctions.

Cavity Inclusion

This is a break in the surface of the diamond. It happens at the location of a feather, typically during the manufacturing process. A small piece of the diamond breaks off during shaping. Obviously, large cavities are more of a problem than tiny ones.

Twinning Wisp Inclusion

These are the result of irregularities in the basic crystal structure of the diamond. The belief is that the heat and pressure needed to create the diamond was interrupted and then started again. A twinning wisp is a series of crystals, pinpoints, and clouds. They are typically not that distinct but can be large. This inclusion is preferable to a crystal.

Irregular Graining

This is flaw caused by irregular crystallization as the diamond was formed. These lines cannot be polished as they are inside the diamond. These grains can cross facet junctions and look white or have color. A larger graining looks like a crease.

Surface Graining

This is also an issue caused by irregular crystallization. These are lines on the surface of the diamond and be hard to identify even with magnification.

Etched Channel

This defect is like a feather in that it starts on the surface of the diamond and penetrates the body. However, this is a narrow tunnel that does not broaden out. These look similar to the hole caused by a laser drill. However, etched channels occur due to forces a diamond is subjected to when it is brought from deep in the earth to the surface.

Here are examples of the common inclusions and defects when seen in real diamonds. Usually, these photos make the defects look worse than they are on the actual diamond. Consult our gemologists to find out how various inclusions affect the true beauty of the diamond.

Matching Clarity of Side Stones & Accent Diamonds

Diamonds are graded for clarity one at a time. But diamonds are often set together. Make sure that accent diamonds and side stones are matching clarity to the main diamond in a setting. This is especially important with three stone settings and with larger accent diamonds. Have a gemologist carefully inspect each of the diamonds involved. Don´t pay a lot of money for a high clarity central diamond only to have the total effect be damaged other stones of inferior clarity. With halo ring settings this is especially important.