Diamond Clarity Explained: How Inclusions Affect Your Diamond’s Beauty”

In This Guide

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity evaluates the presence of natural flaws that occur during the formation of the diamond. These imperfections are categorized as internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). Inclusions can range from tiny crystals and air bubbles to internal fractures, while blemishes are surface flaws like scratches or chips. A diamond with fewer of these imperfections earns a higher clarity grade, enhancing both its value and appeal. Many imperfections, however, are not visible to the naked eye. Diamonds with undetectable flaws to an untrained eye are termed "eye-clean." If you’re seeking a high-clarity diamond, ensuring it is eye-clean can offer great visual quality without requiring the highest clarity grades.

How Clarity Affects a Diamond’s Appearance and Value

Clarity grades are crucial for determining a diamond’s value. However, many inclusions are so small that they don’t impact beauty to the naked eye. Diamonds in the VS and SI clarity ranges can often appear eye-clean, making them a great value for those balancing quality and budget.

Certain diamond shapes, like the round brilliant, tend to mask inclusions better than others. Shapes with larger, open facets, such as emerald or asscher cuts, tend to show imperfections more prominently.

The Diamond Clarity Scale: Grading Clarity from Flawless to Included

To standardize clarity assessments, gemological institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have developed a grading scale that categorizes diamonds based on the size, quantity, and visibility of inclusions and blemishes. This scale is widely used and helps consumers understand a diamond's clarity quality.

Here’s a overview of the GIA clarity scale:

Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are extremely rare and highly prized.

Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions and only very minor surface blemishes visible under 10x magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are so small they are difficult to see even under 10x magnification. These diamonds appear flawless to the naked eye.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2):Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification but are still considered minor and not noticeable to the untrained eye.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2):Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye, especially in SI2 diamonds.

Included (I1, I2, and I3): nclusions and blemishes are easily visible to the naked eye and may affect the diamond’s durability and brilliance.

How Diamond Clarity is Graded: Key Factors Assessed

Professional graders assess clarity under 10x magnification, evaluating the number, size, relief, nature, and position of imperfections. This comprehensive analysis determines one of the 11 GIA clarity grades, with a diagram marking each imperfection to provide a unique "fingerprint" for the diamond.

Here’s a closer look at the main factors that impact clarity grading: Here’s a overview of the GIA clarity scale:

Size: Larger inclusions, particularly those near the surface, impact both clarity and durability.

Number: Inclusions are judged on how visible they are vs. how many there are. More inclusions usually mean a lower clarity grade.

Position: The location of inclusions or blemishes affects clarity. Inclusions closer to the diamond's table (top facet) have a greater impact.

Natural: The nature of an imperfection refers to the kind of inclusion that it is and the depth at which it occurs within the diamond. Internal characteristics are inclusions; external characteristics are blemishes, each affecting clarity differently.

Releif: This refers to how visible an inclusion or blemish is, in contrast with the diamond. A transparent or white inclusion is considered low relief, while a dark inclusion is considered high relief and with higher impact on clarity.

The Most Common Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes

Understanding inclusions and blemishes starts with knowing how diamonds are formed. Natural diamonds originate deep within the Earth, where intense heat and pressure often lead to trapped minerals and tiny fractures within the stone. Lab-grown diamonds also have inclusions, though they may be labeled differently in grading reports. For instance, the GIA commonly describes natural diamond inclusions as "pinpoints" or "feathers," while in lab-grown diamonds, similar inclusions might be referred to as "growth remnants."

Inclusions

Inclusions are internal imperfections that arise during a diamond’s formation. Here are some common types:

Cavity: An angular opening, often created by an expanded feather.

Cloud: A group of pinpoints that give a hazy appearance.

Cystal: A mineral crystal inside the diamond.

Feather: A small breakage or tiny crack with a feather-like appearance.

Graining: Visible lines or angles, often white or reflective.

Neddle: A long, thin crystal inclusion at 10x

Pinpoint: A tiny crystal resembling a dot at 10x

Blemishes

Blemishes are external imperfections that occur after a diamond’s formation, usually on the surface:

Abrasion: Tiny nicks along facet edges, causing a fuzzy appearance.

Nick: A small notch, usually along the girdle or culet.

Chip: A shallow opening, often near the girdle or culet.

Natural: The original rough diamond’s surface, typically along the girdle.

Scratch: A thin white line on the diamond surface

Tips for Choosing the Right Clarity for Your Diamond

Finding the right clarity depends on your budget, personal preference, and the diamond’s shape.

1. Consider Eye-Clean Diamonds: Eye-clean diamonds in the VS1 or higher range often appear flawless to the unaided eye, providing good value.

Use Magnification Tools: Many online retailers offer magnification tools to help you examine the size and location of inclusions before purchasing.

Match Clarity with Shape: Round brilliant, cushion, and oval diamond cuts, are more forgiving of inclusions. Others, like emerald and asscher cuts, tend to show imperfections more clearly. Keep this in mind when selecting your diamond shape.

Balance with Other Cs: A diamond’s overall beauty is the result of all the 4Cs working together. If you have a strict budget, consider compromising slightly on clarity in favor of cut, color, or carat weight.

Diamond Clarity FAQs

Flawless (FL) is the highest clarity grade. However, for a balance of value and appearance, VS or SI clarity grades are often recommended.
An eye-clean diamond has inclusions or blemishes that are not visible to the naked eye. This quality provides a visually flawless look without needing the highest clarity grade.
Cut is typically the most important factor, as it impacts a diamond’s brilliance and sparkles the most. Many customers prioritize cut over clarity and color for the best visual impact.
VS1/2 or SI1 are popular choices for their balance between quality and value. These diamonds often look flawless to the unaided eye.
Oval, cushion, radiant, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds are good at hiding inclusions due to their faceting patterns. These shapes tend to mask small flaws better than others, like emerald cuts.
VS1 is higher than VS2, with fewer or less noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification. Both are often eye-clean, though inclusions may be slightly easier to spot in VS2.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions as natural diamonds, though they may be referenced differently on grading reports (e.g., a “growth remnant”).


Diamond clarity is one of the essential factors that influence a diamond's beauty and value. By understanding clarity grades and knowing what to look for, you can find a stunning diamond that fits your preferences and budget. Remember to consider how clarity interacts with the other 4Cs (cut, color, and carat) to ensure you get the best value and brilliance in your diamond investment.

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