4CS of Diamonds: Clarity

Diamond clarity is an authoritative criterion set by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) that grades the visual character of diamonds by measuring them in accordance with the level of transparency of a given stone. Clarity is a key visual marker of diamond quality and is determined by the presence (or absence) of inclusions and blemishes: adverse characteristics that affect the quality of the gemstone. The diamond that is marked as having a greater clarity (grade) is the stone that has fewer (or possibly no) blemishes and inclusions in relation to those that do. The clarity of a diamond in relation to these factors has a considerable effect on a gemstone’s value. Here we will learn about the various diamond grades in relation to the stone’s clarity.

Diamond Clarity Grades- GIA

The GIA as the foremost authority on diamonds has set the standard for measuring diamond clarity by grading them in accordance with the quality of the stone. Diamond grades in accordance to clarity fall on a spectrum, going from gemstones that have the greatest amount of clarity (Flawless) to a low level of clarity (I). Which breaks down into three grades. It is important to understand that the grading of diamonds according to their clarity is only determined via expert analysis, usually under10x a microscope. So let’s look at each to understand what makes them different.

Flawless

These are the top tier of diamonds in terms of clarity and have no internal defects or external blemishes. Such gemstones (natural diamonds are extremely rare, estimated to make up less than 1 per cent of all diamonds in the world today. Given the extreme rarity of such stones, provided they score relatively well in other areas of diamond quality, they tend to command exuberant prices.

Internally Flawless

Things often get a bit confusing when it comes to making distinctions between Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds and the Flawless (F) variety. Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds tend to contain blemishes, which are defects that are external in character. Despite this, the type of these ‘flaws’ is often difficult to spot even with 10x magnification on the stone's surface, owing to the fact that it too, like the (F) Flawless diamond contains no internal defects.

Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)

This is where the grading of diamond grades begin to break down into subparts. Very Very Slightly Included are found at two levels: (VVS1, VVS2). As the name indicates these two grades of gemstones do contain internal inclusions. diamonds earn this grading because, with increasing level of inclusions and lower value respectively, but are not visible to the naked eye, hence they are considered to be of a high-value grade.

Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)

The VS1 and VS2 are among the more popular choices of diamonds in the clarity scales, as we shall see. These gemstones, whilst containing a higher number of inclusions, are yet few in number, and the inclusions themselves are of a less negative variety. Inclusions that are found in this grade of diamonds also increase or worsen with each level. With VS2 being a less clear, and less valuable choice. However, the inclusions themselves for both are very small and so still require expert study.

Slightly Included (SI1, SI2, SI3)

This is where inclusions levels begin to attain a level of visibility, for even without 10x magnification, this grade of diamonds carries a number of inclusions, many of which are visible upon closer inspection to the human eye. Upon being subject to magnification, however, these inclusions, both internal and external, become more pronounced. Diamonds that fall into this category are generally viewed as of lower value, naturally owing to their lower grade, however certain jewellers do sell (SI 1) diamonds as a quality budget option, when accompanied with a solid cut and colour.

Included (I1, I2, I3)

Diamonds that are graded in this range contain notable inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. Under 10x magnification, these inclusions become more pronounced and unattractive. Understandably, owing to their higher level of inclusions, these diamond varieties have lower transparency, with diamond traits like fire and scintillation being affected. Whilst, not the diamond buyer favourite, included diamonds do have their uses. From accent stones, as larger carat diamonds for speciality uses, or even as budget jewellery options.

Factors that Determine Diamond Clarity

Whilst the prevalence of inclusions is the key variable that affects the clarity grading of a diamond, the character of these inclusions also tends to differ from the diamond in question. So here’s a quick list of the key factors that determine the character of inclusions in diamonds:

Size: This is the obvious one. The bigger the size of the inclusion the more problematic it is to the clarity of the stone.

Number: Whilst diamonds can get away with having smaller inclusions, a larger number of small inclusions will aggregate and affect the overall clarity of the stone.

Position: This is a more technical point, one that relates to the Cut of the diamond. As noted, diamond quality is measured in relation to all factors that make up the 4Cs. Here the location of the inclusions would come to have a lesser or greater effect on the clarity and hence the quality of the diamond. For example, the closer the inclusions that are found to the table, the most visible and hence of lower clarity.

Nature: Inclusions come in a number of forms: chips, clouds, feathers, needles. And so the nature and extent of these various inclusions will affect the final clarity of the diamonds.

Relief: Relief refers to the visibility of these inclusions: one that is viewed in relation to how it contrasts with the overall visibility of the diamond. One that relates to the colour of the inclusion. Yes, sometimes inclusions do come in hues. Depending on the colour of inclusion (e.g. black or dark grey) this will more strongly affect the clarity of the diamond. This may seem like a subjective measure, especially at higher clarity grades, and it often requires expert input to determine the relief.

What Diamond Clarity Grade is the Right Choice for You?

Flawless (FL) diamonds are a straightforward choice when it comes to picking a high-value diamond. Next on the list are the Internally Flawless (IF) diamond variety: this is the more realistic option, given the rarity of diamonds with the level of clarity. If you are looking for a good quality stone but at a reasonable budget. A simple tip when it comes to picking a good quality diamond, ensure that no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. If the diamond of your choice gets this one wrong then it may not be the quality choice you are looking for. When it comes to a quality diamond, the clarity of the stone is significant only in relation to other factors. So even the weakness of a SI diamond can be offset by a stone with good colour (colourless) and a solid cut.