Diamond Clarity

Diamond Clarity: What are the different diamond clarity grades and what do they mean?

Clarity is one of the two best-known factors in diamond pricing, along with color. While the color does affect a diamond's appearance, obvious inclusions (often called "flaws") may distract your recipient's eye from a stone's overall beauty. We usually recommend diamonds without inclusions or flaws that are visible to the naked eye. This avoids inadvertent negative feedback from friends and ensures the wonderful, lifelong enjoyment of your diamond.

To achieve this, stay well above the I-1 clarity grade. Clarity grades of SI2 or above are defined as flawless to the naked eye, but SI1 is safer in larger sizes. It's not necessary to go all the way up to IF (internally flawless) to get a beautiful diamond. From SI1 and above, diamonds will appear the same to the naked eye, differing only in the other factors of the 4 Cs: including Carat weight, Color and Cut.

Clarity greatly varies from one diamond to another, and no two are exactly alike. The Gemological Institute of America established standardized clarity grades for the diamond trade which are now used worldwide among dealers to help in trading and valuation.

The following chart gives an idea how each grade might look under a 10x loupe microscope:

Clarity Grades

Below are some simplified definitions of the various clarity grades set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). For a comparison with other grading systems used in other countries, go to the clarity comparison chart.

FL = Flawless -- no internal or external inclusions of any kind visible under 10x magnification to a trained eye, the most rare and expensive of all clarity grades

IF = Internally Flawless -- no internal inclusions visible under 10x magnification to a trained eye, but there may be some tiny external irregularities in the finish

VVS-1 = Very Very Slightly Included 1 -- usually just one tiny inclusion visible only to a trained eye under 10x magnification

VVS-2 = Very Very Slightly Included 2 -- tiny inclusions visible only to a trained eye under 10x magnification

VS-1 = Very Slightly Included 1 -- very small inclusions visible with 10x magnification

VS-2 = Very Slightly Included 2 -- several very small inclusions visible with 10x magnification

SI-1 = Slightly Included 1 -- small inclusions visible with 10x magnification

SI-2 = Slightly Included 2 -- several small inclusions visible with 10x magnification

I-1 = Included 1 -- flaws that are visible to the naked eye

I-2 = Included 2 -- many flaws clearly visible to the naked eye that also decrease the brilliance

I-3 = Included 3 -- many flaws clearly visible to the naked eye which decrease the brilliance and compromise the structure of the diamond, making it more easily cracked or chipped

NOTE: We feel that diamonds of clarity grades I-2 or I-3 (Imperfect 2 and Imperfect 3 as described by GIA) are not ideal as a representation of the bond of eternal love. Therefore, we do not recommend diamonds of these clarity grades for engagement rings.

WARNING:
Knowing the 4 Cs is NOT enough to price a diamond accurately.

At least 13 factors affect diamond value, including fluorescence, table percentage, symmetry and other crucial details. However, the 4 Cs are a good place to start, and you will need to know these before you can move on.

Getting Tired Yet?
If you want to speed up the process, and get right to the prices, you can jump to my Diamond Pricing Tutorial, but I recommend continuing, because it is best to have an understanding of the 4 Cs at least, and beyond that if you want to really do the job right. If you want to understand all the details from any certificate, please keep on the path. The only other way to speed things up, is to jump right to a good local or online jeweler that can help you by showing you diamonds in person or talk you through the details over the phone. If you cannot find a good jeweler, we rate the top dealers for you.

Robert Hensley
President
Diamond Helpers