Clarity reflects the purity of a diamond or the inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. The inclusions and blemishes impact a diamond’s ability to let in light and reflect its brilliance. Inclusions are interior irregularities and blemishes are exterior irregularities. These imperfections are not flaws, but rather the natural fingerprint of every diamond. Often, we can see these only under a powerful microscope or jeweler’s loupe, and they do not visibly affect the appearance or beauty of a diamond. Large inclusions can affect the scintillation of a diamond considerably be absorbing the light passing through. Some inclusions are coloured too, the most common one being “Nats”- a black inclusion, which is considerably big, and can be easily spotted by the naked eye. The larger or more numerous the inclusions the less valuable the diamond.
Internationally, diamonds are graded by labs according to the following grades:
FL Flawless: These diamonds are completely clean and have no inclusions or blemishes detectable under 10x magnification. They are extremely rare and expensive.
IF Internally Flawless: These diamonds have no detectable inclusions but may have some surface blemishes under 10x magnification. They are very rare and very valuable.
VVS1/VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included: Inclusions and blemishes are extremely difficult for even a skilled gemologist to detect under 10x magnification, usually visible only under a powerful microscope.
VS1/VS2 Very Slightly Included: Inclusions and blemishes are detectable under 10x magnification, but are minor flaws that do not impact the diamond’s beauty and are totally invisible to the naked eye.
SI1/SI2 Slightly Included: Inclusions and blemishes are easily noticeable under 10x magnification and may also be visible to the naked eye.
I1, I2, I3 Included: Inclusions and blemishes are obvious under 10x magnification and typically visible to the naked eye. These flaws may negatively impact the transparency and or brilliance of the diamond.
