Clarity: The 4 Cs of Diamonds

Clarity is one of 4 aspects of the 4 Cs used to evaluate diamonds' value (alongside Cut, Color, and Carat Weight). This characteristic is of course integral to a diamond's visual purity, but rarity as well.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the absence or presence of inclusions and blemishes in or on a diamond. Where a diamond ranks on the Clarity scale depends on how clear it is of any imperfections. The more clean a diamond is, the more valuable.

The Clarity Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a clarity grading scale that is widely accepted worldwide. This scale categorizes diamonds from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance). The scale is as follows:

1. Flawless, Internally Flawless (FL and IF): For FL, inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification. For IF, no inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader. Diamonds in this category as commonly referred to as "museum quality", and are exceedingly rare the higher you go in carat weight.
2. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. Diamonds in this category are top tier.
3. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor. Very hard to see with the naked eye.
4. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification.
5. Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance. Usually very obvious under the naked eye.

What are Inclusions and Blemishes, Exactly?

Inclusions and blemishes are natural marks that form in the diamond as it develops under high pressure and temperature conditions. They can be tiny crystals of other minerals, fractures, or structural imperfections.

Inclusions are internal characteristics, or "birthmarks" as my mentor loves to say, like crystals, feathers, or clouds, that are within the diamond. While inclusions can affect the apparent color of the diamond, the overall color of the actual stone (sans inclusions) is determined by the color scale, rather than the clarity scale.

Cloud: Many tightly grouped pinpoints that might be too small to distinguish individually but together have a light, hazy appearance.

Crystal: A mineral crystal contained inside of a diamond.

Blemishes are imperfections on the external surface an already-cut diamond, such as scratches, abrasions, or pits.

Scratch: A thin, dull, white line across the diamond’s surface, and shows no apparent depth at 10X.

Abrasion: A series of minute nicks along the facet junctions of a cut/fashioned diamond; gives the edges a white or fuzzy appearance.

How Clarity Affects a Diamond's Appearance

The clarity of a diamond influences how light passes through the stone and is reflected back to the eye. While a high level of clarity can enhance a diamond's brilliance, many inclusions and blemishes do not significantly affect a diamond's beauty to the naked eye. It all depends on each diamond's other features!

Choosing Between Clarity Grades

When selecting a diamond, it's important to consider how clarity impacts both appearance and cost. Diamonds with the highest clarity grades are rare and expensive, but many lower grade diamonds still display a stunning appearance. The choice often depends on individual preferences and budget.

Before being set on a grading level, it's helpful to remember how a diamond's size can impact clarity. Two diamonds of the same clarity level, but different sizes and carat weights can still look different in terms clarity. Larger diamonds tend to have more visible inclusions and blemishes. Therefore, clarity becomes more important as the size of the diamond increases.

Clarity Enhancement Treatments & Lab Diamonds

Some diamonds undergo treatments to enhance their clarity, such as laser drilling to remove inclusions, or fracture filling to make them less visible. These treatments should be disclosed at the point of sale.

While natural diamonds' clarity depends on—well—nature, lab-created diamonds are formed under controlled environments, and are commonly high on the Clarity scale. It's important to know whether your diamond is natural or lab created while taking into account grading as well.

Not Everyone Prioritizes Clarity...

If you'd like to explore diamonds beyond the official Clarity grading scale, consider reading about Salt and Pepper diamonds!

Clarity—in Perspective

Balancing aesthetic desires with practical considerations is in the back of everyone's mind while purchasing, so we hope this article helped you get some perspective whether you're seeking a flawless stone, or embracing the unique character of a diamond with visible inclusions.

As always, good luck on your search~