DIAMOND CLARITY

Clarity is the presence or absence of internal characteristics within the diamond and blemishes on its surface. These slight “birthmarks of nature" generally do not affect the beauty of a stone, but they almost always affect its price.

These inclusions are often invisible to the naked eye. In fact, they are sometimes very difficult to see even with a jeweler’s loupe that magnifies 10 times. For this reason, you should insist on viewing the diamond through a gem binocular microscope. It should be noted, too, that a well-cut diamond can minimize the appearance of many an inclusion. For this reason, you should choose a jeweler who can competently evaluate both cut and clarity.

Technical Information on Clarity - GIA Clarity Grading Scale

Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes of any sort when examined under 10X magnification.

Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions of any sort--only minor surface blemish when examined under 10X magnification.

Very, Very Slightly – 1 (VVS-1) - Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification. These inclusions have no affect on the beauty of the diamond, only rarity and price.

Very, Very Slightly – 2 (VVS-2) - Minute inclusions that are very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification. These inclusions have no affect on the beauty of the diamond, only rarity and price.

Very Slightly – 1 (VS-1) - Minor inclusions that are difficult for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. These inclusions have no affect on the beauty of the diamond, only rarity and price.

Very Slightly – 2 (VS-2) - Minor inclusions that are somewhat easy for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. These inclusions have no affect on the beauty of the diamond, only rarity and price.

Slightly Included – 1 (SI-1) - Noticeable inclusions that are easy for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. These inclusions usually do not affect beauty, only rarity and price.

Slightly Included – 2 (SI-2) - Noticeable inclusions that are very easy for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. Some diamonds in this grade may have inclusions that can be seen with the unaided eye, but they usually have very little affect on the beauty of the diamond.

Included – 1 (I-1) - Contains inclusions that are apparent under 10X magnification. Diamonds in this grade often have inclusions that can be seen with the unaided eye. This quality sometimes affects the beauty of the diamond.

Included – 2 (I-2) - Contains inclusions that are obvious under 10X magnification. Diamonds in this grade have inclusions that can be seen easily with the unaided eye. This quality affects the beauty of the diamond and sometimes affects the durability.

Included – 3 (I-3) - Contains inclusions that are very obvious to the unaided eye and pose a definite threat to the diamond’s durability.