The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of “inclusions,” or imperfections, in its crystal structure. Nearly all of the world’s diamonds have inclusions of some kind, and the clarity scale is used to denote the degree to which those inclusions are present and visible within the diamond. In higher quality diamonds, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and in lower quality stones they will be easily spotted without any magnification.
The Clarity Scale & How Diamond Clarity Is Graded
Diamond clarity is graded by a skilled professional under 10x magnification and uses a scale originally developed by the GIA. The specific characteristics of any inclusions present are considered when assigning a clarity grade, including the size, location and type of inclusion. The clarity scale begins with the grade of “Flawless” or “Internally Flawless,” and continues using the following grades:
Flawless & Internally Flawless (“IF”) – The diamond shows no inclusions when examined under 10x magnification.
VVS1 & VVS2 – “Very Very Slightly Included” – The diamond contains microscopic inclusions that are very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions are never visible to the naked eye
VS1 & VS2 – “Very Slightly Included” – The diamond contains minor inclusions that are visible to a skilled grader under 10x magnification. These inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
SI1 & SI2 – “Slightly Included” – The diamond contains inclusions that are easily visible under 10x magnification. The inclusions in SI1 diamonds are often not visible to the naked eye. The inclusions in SI2 diamonds are sometimes not visible to the naked eye.
I1, I2, I3 and beyond – The diamond contains inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification and easily visible to the naked eye.
