Diamond Clarity Chart

Understanding diamond clarity is crucial when selecting the perfect stone. As one of the 4Cs, clarity significantly impacts a diamond’s beauty and value. This guide explores how diamond experts use 10x magnification to assess clarity, from FL diamonds to those with visible flaws. We’ll compare natural diamonds to lab-grown diamonds, discuss how a single inclusion or small crystals affect clarity grades, and explain the difference between VVS diamonds and lower clarities like SI diamonds. Learn how clarity impacts diamond price, varies with size and cut (including emerald and step-cut diamonds), and interacts with color grade. Whether you’re looking for the best diamond clarity or the best value, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

1. Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes, assessed under 10x magnification.
2. The GIA diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3), with 11 distinct grades.
3. Eye-clean diamonds, often found in VS2 to SI1 ranges, offer excellent value for engagement rings and other jewelry.
4. Different diamond shapes hide or accentuate inclusions differently, with round brilliants being best at masking imperfections.
5. Common types of inclusions include crystals, feathers, clouds, and needles, each affecting clarity grades differently.
6. Diamond certificates from reputable labs provide crucial information about a diamond’s clarity characteristics.
7. Natural and lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale, though their inclusions may differ due to formation processes.
8. Clarity enhancement techniques exist but typically lower a diamond’s value compared to untreated stones.
9. When choosing a diamond, focus on eye-cleanliness rather than specific clarity grades for the best value.
10. Recent technological advancements, including AI and blockchain, are improving the consistency and transparency of clarity grading.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. Inclusions are internal characteristics that formed naturally during the diamond’s growth process deep within the Earth, while blemishes are external imperfections on the diamond’s surface.

Natural diamonds form under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. During this process, various minerals and other materials can become trapped within the diamond crystal, creating inclusions. These inclusions are like fingerprints, making each diamond unique.

The Diamond Clarity Scale

The most widely recognized diamond clarity grading system was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA clarity scale consists of 11 grades:

1. Flawless (FL)
2. Internally Flawless (IF)
3. Very, Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS1)
4. Very, Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS2)
5. Very Slightly Included 1 (VS1)
6. Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2)
7. Slightly Included 1 (SI1)
8. Slightly Included 2 (SI2)
9. Included 1 (I1)
10. Included 2 (I2)
11. Included 3 (I3)

Understanding the Diamond Clarity Chart

How Diamond Clarity is Graded

Professional gemologists grade diamond clarity using a 10x loupe or microscope. They assess five key factors:

1. Size of inclusions: Larger inclusions have a greater impact on the clarity grade.
2. Number of inclusions: More inclusions generally result in a lower clarity grade.
3. Position of inclusions: Inclusions in the center of the diamond or under the table facet are more visible and have a greater impact on the grade.
4. Nature of inclusions: Some types of inclusions, like dark crystals or large feathers, are more noticeable and affect the grade more than others.
5. Relief (contrast) of inclusions: Inclusions that contrast strongly with the surrounding diamond are more visible and impact the grade more.

The Importance of Being Eye-Clean

An eye-clean diamond has no visible inclusions to the naked eye when viewed from the top down. Many VS2 and SI1 diamonds are eye-clean but cost significantly less than higher clarity grades, offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.

It’s important to note that eye-cleanliness can be subjective and depends on factors like:

• Viewing distance
• Lighting conditions
• Individual eyesight
• The specific nature and location of inclusions

Clarity and Diamond Shape

Different diamond shapes can hide or accentuate inclusions:

• Round Brilliant: Excellent at hiding inclusions due to its facet pattern. The multiple facets scatter light, making inclusions less visible.
• Emerald and Asscher Cuts: Large, open facets make inclusions more visible. These step-cut diamonds act like windows into the stone, so higher clarity grades are often recommended.
• Princess, Cushion, Oval, Pear: Fall between round and emerald cuts in terms of inclusion visibility. The brilliant faceting helps hide inclusions, but not as effectively as round brilliants.
• Marquise and Heart Shapes: Similar to oval and pear shapes in their ability to hide inclusions.

Types of Diamond Inclusions

1. Crystals: Mineral deposits trapped inside the diamond during formation. They can be colorless, white, or colored.
2. Feathers: Small cracks that resemble feathers. While they don’t typically affect durability, large feathers near the surface can be a concern.
3. Clouds: Clusters of tiny inclusions that can appear hazy. In severe cases, they can affect a diamond’s brilliance.
4. Needles: Thin, elongated inclusions that look like tiny rods or needles inside the diamond.
5. Twinning Wisps: Series of inclusions formed during crystal growth, often appearing as a series of pinpoints in a row.
6. Knots: Internal graining that reaches the surface, appearing as small bumps on the diamond’s surface.
7. Cavities: Small indentations on the diamond’s surface, sometimes filled with foreign material.
8. Graining: Internal lines or wrinkles in the diamond’s crystal structure.
9. Pinpoints: Tiny dot-like inclusions, often only visible under high magnification.

The Role of Clarity in Diamond Certification

Reputable laboratories like GIA, AGS, and IGI provide detailed reports on a diamond’s characteristics, including clarity. These certificates are crucial when buying diamonds, especially online. Key elements of a diamond clarity report include:

• Overall clarity grade
• Plot diagram showing the location and type of inclusions
• Comments on any significant clarity characteristics

When reviewing a certificate, pay attention to the clarity grade, but also look at the plot diagram to understand where inclusions are located.

Clarity in Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions, but their origins differ:

• Natural diamonds: Inclusions form during the crystal growth process deep within the Earth over millions of years.
• Lab-grown diamonds: Inclusions may result from the growth process, such as metallic flux or small graphite particles. The growth process is much faster, typically taking weeks or months.

The clarity grading scale remains the same for both types. However, the nature of inclusions can sometimes help gemologists distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Clarity Enhancement Techniques

Some diamonds undergo treatments to improve their apparent clarity:

1. Laser drilling: Tiny channels are drilled to reach dark inclusions, which are then bleached or dissolved.
2. Fracture filling: A glass-like substance fills small cracks, making them less visible.
3. HPHT treatment: High Pressure-High Temperature treatment can sometimes improve clarity by dissolving certain types of inclusions.

Note: Enhanced diamonds are typically less valuable than untreated diamonds of the same apparent clarity. Always ask if a diamond has undergone any treatments.

Clarity and Diamond Fluorescence

While not directly related to clarity, fluorescence can sometimes mask the appearance of slight inclusions, especially in diamonds with lower color grades. Fluorescence is the glow some diamonds exhibit under ultraviolet light. In some cases, it can make a diamond appear hazy or oily, which might be mistaken for clarity issues.

Clarity in Fancy Colored Diamonds

The clarity grading scale for fancy colored diamonds is the same as for colorless diamonds. However, inclusions can sometimes contribute to a diamond’s unique color, especially in pink and red diamonds. In these cases, certain inclusions might not negatively impact the diamond’s value as much as they would in a colorless diamond.

Tips for Choosing Diamond Clarity

1. Determine your budget and priorities. Clarity is important, but remember it’s just one of the 4Cs.
2. Focus on eye-cleanliness rather than specific grades. A VS2 diamond that appears clean to the naked eye can offer better value than a flawless diamond.
3. Consider the diamond shape when choosing clarity. Step-cut diamonds like emerald cuts may require higher clarity grades.
4. Always view actual photos or videos of the specific diamond. Don’t rely solely on the clarity grade.
5. For round diamonds, start your search in the VS2-SI1 range. Many diamonds in this range are eye-clean and offer excellent value.
6. Be cautious with heavily included SI2 and I1 diamonds. These may have visible inclusions and could affect the diamond’s durability.
7. Consider having an expert review the diamond if unsure. Many online retailers offer gemologist consultations.
8. Remember that larger diamonds may require higher clarity grades to appear eye-clean.
9. Don’t forget about cut quality. A well-cut diamond can sometimes mask minor inclusions better than a poorly cut one.

Recent Developments in Diamond Clarity Grading

The diamond industry is embracing technology to improve clarity grading:

1. AI-powered grading systems are being developed for more consistent assessments. These systems can analyze thousands of diamond images to provide objective clarity grades.
2. Blockchain technology is being used to record a diamond’s characteristics, improving traceability and reducing fraud in the industry.
3. High-resolution imaging techniques allow for more detailed clarity analysis. Some systems can create 3D maps of a diamond’s inclusions.
4. Automated systems are being developed to detect clarity-enhanced diamonds, helping protect consumers from undisclosed treatments.

Diamond Clarity Grade

When assessing a diamond’s clarity grade, experts consider the size of the inclusions, number of inclusions, position of inclusions (especially those near the center of the table), nature of the inclusions, and their relief or contrast against the diamond.

The clarity plot on a diamond certificate provides a map of these inclusions and is an essential tool for understanding the unique characteristics of each diamond. This clarity plot is particularly important when comparing in-stock diamonds or loose diamonds from retailers like Blue Nile.

Remember, the goal is often to find an eye-clean diamond – one that appears free of inclusions to the naked eye – rather than necessarily seeking the highest clarity grade. This approach often provides the best value, allowing you to prioritize other factors like cut quality or carat weight.

• When discussing natural diamonds vs. lab diamonds, mention that both follow the GIA International Diamond Grading System™.
• In the section about diamond shapes, emphasize that step cuts and emerald cuts often require higher clarity grades due to their large, open facets.
• When talking about the 4Cs, mention that while clarity is important, diamond cut is often considered the most important factor in a diamond’s beauty.
• In the tips section, suggest that readers compare diamonds of different clarity grades side by side, as this can help illustrate the differences between higher grades and lower grades.
• When discussing diamond prices, mention that clarity significantly impacts the price of a diamond, with flawless and internally flawless diamonds commanding premium prices.
• In the section about choosing clarity, emphasize that for most engagement rings and diamond jewelry, VS2 to SI1 clarity often provides the best balance of quality and value.
• When discussing larger diamonds, note that a 1 carat diamond or larger may require a higher clarity grade to appear eye-clean compared to smaller diamonds.
• In the section about diamond certification, mention that the clarity plot is a crucial part of understanding a diamond’s unique characteristics.
• When discussing fancy colored diamonds, note that sometimes internal inclusions can contribute to the unique color of these rare diamonds.
• In the tips section, suggest that readers pay attention to the location of inclusions, as those near the center of the table or under the table facet are typically more visible than those near the edges or in the pavilion facets.

Conclusion

Understanding diamond clarity and how to use the diamond clarity chart can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond. By focusing on eye-cleanliness and considering clarity alongside the other 4Cs, you can find a beautiful diamond that fits your budget and preferences.

Remember, the perfect diamond is one that looks beautiful to you and fits your unique needs. Whether you’re buying an engagement ring or a special gift, this knowledge will help you make a confident and informed choice.

[Editor’s note: This article was last updated on September 12, 2024, to reflect the latest developments in diamond clarity grading technology.]