If you’re new to buying diamonds, understanding clarity grading will help you make an informed decision about value and appearance. Clarity is one of the key factors when determining the quality and value of a diamond.
Some buyers overlook clarity when buying their diamond. However, inclusions and blemishes can impact a diamond’s appearance. This is why understanding clarity is an essential part of making a decision before purchasing a diamond. Whether you’re choosing a diamond ring, a diamond pendant, or a pair of diamond earrings, clarity is important.
This guide breaks down diamond clarity by walking you through the process step by step.
Diamond Clarity Explained: The Grading Method
Diamond clarity refers to both internal inclusions and external blemishes. Both types form during diamond creation. The fewer inclusions present under magnification, the clearer the diamond.
Gemological laboratories use a standard chart for grading these types of inclusions. The standard grading system for diamonds includes how clear your diamond is:
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FL = Flawless - no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification
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IF = Internally Flawless (no internally visible flaws, but may have some surface blemishes).
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VVS1 / VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) - Minor inclusions visible only when closely examined with a loupe or microscope.
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VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included) - Minor inclusions may be faintly visible to the naked eye.
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SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included) - Inclusions that can be seen under 10-power magnification; may be visible with the naked eye.
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I1 / I2 / I3 (Included) - Prominent inclusions that can be seen under 10-power magnification.
With this grading system to compare the various grades of diamond clarity, first-time purchasers can confidently buy an appropriate diamond.
Comparison Of Diamond Clarity Chart Ratings: Which Quality Is The Most Valuable?
The clarity grades are used to compare relative values of diamonds based on their appearance and price.
Most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye (whether they are flawless or have slight imperfections).
People will generally be able to find a visually clean diamond without paying a high price by choosing VS1, VS2 and/or SI1 (SI2) grades. These grades may still contain inclusions, but they are only visible under a microscope; however, when viewed with the naked eye, all of these diamonds look flawless to the naked eye.
Diamonds within the VS and SI grades are often considered ideal. These styles are generally created for buyers looking to buy engagement rings with a high degree of brilliance and affordability.
A diamond clarity chart comparison is helpful for buyers to evaluate whether they can afford diamonds with high clarity or if they should consider other factors when buying lab grown diamonds.
Guide To Identifying Clarity: Clarity Vs Other Factors
Comparison of diamonds by using a clarity guide will help buyers prioritise purchasing options based on price rather than which type of diamond is superior by classification (clarity).
Using a guide is highly recommended for buyers to evaluate a diamond by finding which of the 4 C’s is more important than the others as it relates to diamond clarity.
Cut has the greatest impact on brilliance, followed by clarity, colour, and carat. For example, a beautifully cut VS2 may appear more brilliant than a poorly cut flawless diamond. Therefore, when comparing diamond quality clarity, you should also consider the cut grade and the overall appearance.
Many jewellery buyers looking to purchase festive jewellery will give more consideration to the overall brilliance, compared with the minimal differences in clarity. By using a diamond quality clarity comparison before buying a diamond, you can evaluate all facets of the diamond, rather than focusing on clarity alone.
Here is a quick reference guide to simplify decision-making:
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High Budget: FL, IF, VVS1
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Premium Value: VVS2, VS1
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Best Balance: VS2, SI1
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Budget Conscious: SI2 (must be eye-clean)
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Buy with caution: I1 and below unless closely inspected
This basic diamond clarity grade chart simplifies the process of narrowing down your choices quickly.
How To Choose The Right Clarity Grade?
When purchasing a diamond, you should ask yourself the following questions:
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Is this diamond eye-clean?
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What is the cut quality?
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Does an inclusion affect brilliance?
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Will the grade of the affected diamond still be worth the price increase?
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Is the diamond graded by a certified jeweller with a diamond grading report?
Diamond Clarity FAQs
1. What is "diamond clarity explained"?
It refers to how inclusions and blemishes impact the overall diamond grade and value of a diamond.
2. How does a diamond clarity comparison chart help you decide what to purchase?
By comparing the different grades on the diamond clarity comparison chart, customers are able to see what to expect vs what each diamond will actually look like.
3. What is included in a complete diamond clarity guide?
The complete diamond clarity guide includes information on diamond clarity grading, eye-clean diamonds, internal inclusions, external inclusions, how clarity interacts with cut and tips for purchasing.
4. Why is it important to compare the quality of diamonds?
It is important to compare the quality and clarity of a diamond because when comparing diamond clarity, you must evaluate clarity in relation to cut, colour and carat weight.
5. What diamond clarity grade chart option do you recommend?
Typically, VS1, VS2, and SI1 are the best options for a combination of beauty and price.
6. Are flawless diamonds worth it?
Not always. Many diamonds with lower clarity grades will be indistinguishable from flawless diamonds to the naked eye and will cost significantly less.
Understanding clarity simplifies your buying process. Rather than being overwhelmed with terms related to diamond grading, you will be able to concentrate on what is truly most important in shopping for diamonds, which is finding diamonds with strong brilliance providing value. By using certification from a reputable lab, comparing clarity grades of diamonds and understanding that the best value choices typically occur when purchasing eye-clean diamonds, you will have the knowledge required to find the best value diamond.