Diamond Clarity

The Four Cs of Diamonds

Diamond Clarity

Clarity describes the purity of a diamond.
A diamond may have internal flaws (called inclusions) and external flaws (called blemishes).
Internal and external flaws can detract from a diamond's brilliance, appearance, clarity, and value.

Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) diamond clarity grading scale

FL	IF	VVS1	VVS2	VS1	VS2	SI1	SI2	I1	I2	I3
Flawless	Internally Flawless	Very Very Slightly Included		Very Slightly Included		Slightly Included		Included

Clarity Grading Definitions

Flawless	A diamond that is completely free from inclusions and blemishes at 10X magnifcation.
Internally Flawless	A diamond that is completely transparent and free from inclusions under 10X magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included	A diamond that contains very, very small inclusions, very difficult to recognize under 10X magnification.
Very Slightly Included	A diamond that contains very small inclusions, difficult to recognize under 10X magnification.
Slightly Included	A diamond that contains small inclusions, easily discernable under 10X magnification, not visible through the crown with the naked eye.
Imperfect	A dimaond that has inclusions that range from those that can be seen easily under 10X magnification to those large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Technical information about diamond clarity

Click here for additional technical information about diamond clarity

Internal flaws are caused by the by the presence of other elements or minerals during the diamond's crystalization.
External flaws may be caused by errors made when the stone was cut and/or polished.
Diamonds are graded for clarity by G.I.A. certified gemologists using ten times (10X) magnification.
A diamond's clarity grade is determined by the number and size of inclusions found during grading. Inclusions include feathers, clouds, and crystals.
Feathers appear as lines or internal cracks in the diamond.
Clouds are areas of the diamond that are not transparent. Crystals appear as "bubbles" in the diamond.

The Loupe
The Loupe is a small, hand-held looking glass used by G.I.A. gemologists to grade the clarity of diamonds. The Loupe maginfies images ten times (10X). The Loupe is typically comprised of two glass lenses housed in a black metal sheath. The Loupe's handle doubles as a scratch case for the lense when the Loupe is not in use.