When considering the ideal diamond, the clarity of the diamond is crucial in determining both its beauty and its value. Many buyers focus on cut and carat, however, clarity is just as critical due to the purity of the stone. After you have considered solitaires, or your engagement piece, having a better understanding of clarity and its impact on brilliance would help you make a more sound investment.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity simply means the presence (or absence) of tiny imperfections inside the stone (inclusions) or on the surface (blemishes). While many of these flaws are hardly visible to the naked eye, these imperfections will affect the sparkle and overall quality of the diamond.
Gemological laboratories such as GIA use an exacting grading scale to assess clarity. This is where the diamond clarity chart will become handy for your benefit in simply understanding where your stone falls in the range.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity is graded from a standard chart, which runs from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Each of these grades affects the way a diamond will look and what price it will sell for:
- Flawless (FL) / Internally Flawless (IF): Extremely rare, no evidence of inclusions.
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Inclusions are detectable only through magnification.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Inclusions are considered minor and they will not be visible to the naked eye.
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): Inclusions are detectable under magnification, and may be visible without tools in some cases.
- Included (I1, I2, I3): Inclusions can be seen and may affect transparency and brilliance.
This grading system is important to buyers so they can trust the buying process and compare stones.
The Importance Of Clarity In Diamonds
Clarity affects not only appearance but also the overall longevity or quality of a diamond. A diamond that has fewer inclusions is better at reflecting light, which is what gives a diamond that brilliant sparkle that most people are looking for. It is important to remember that a perfect clarity grade isn’t always needed for aesthetics. Many VS or SI diamonds will appear flawless to the naked eye and can offer a significant savings for the consumer.
It is always a good idea to use diamond clarity comparison for purchase consideration along with cut, color, and carat weight.
Selecting The Best Clarity For Your Style
Selecting your desired clarity will depend on your preferences and budget:
- If you are looking to purchase an engagement ring, find VS1–VS2, which provides good value and beauty at these grades.
- If you are looking for everyday wear jewellery, SI1 provides sparkle at a lower price point.
- If you are shopping for a collector or heirloom piece, FL–VVS heat levels are the best investment.
Understanding the chart of diamond clarity will allow you to purchase something for your lifestyle at the appropriate cost.
Try Other Diamond Jewellery
We, at Réia, do not simply care about clarity; we produce jewellery that matches every moment. If you are looking for lab-grown diamond rings or lab-grown diamond earrings, you will find something for everyone to meet the ethical luxury and added brilliance.
Diamond Clarity Questions And Answers
1. What does diamond clarity mean in simple terms?
Diamond clarity describes how free the diamond is from internal inclusions or unsightly blemishes on the outside of the stone.
2. What clarity diamond is best for daily wear?
Most experts agree VS1 or VS2 clarity diamonds would be best for a daily wear setting as they will look flawless, but will save you money over a flawless clarity grade diamond.
3. Does diamond clarity affect sparkle?
Yes, a diamond with higher clarity will have fewer obstacles in light reflecting through the diamond which results in a better sparkle.
4. Are lower clarity diamonds worth buying?
Yes! Diamonds graded SI1 or SI2 often will look excellent, and are a less expensive option than diamonds with higher clarity grades.
5. Is clarity more important than cut?
No. While clarity is important, a diamond's cut will always have a greater effect on a diamond's brilliance.