Diamond clarity describes the natural characteristics found inside or on the surface of a diamond.
Almost every natural diamond contains some form of inclusion or blemish. These features were created during the diamond’s formation or introduced during cutting and polishing.
Understanding clarity can help you avoid overpaying for microscopic perfection that may not be visible in everyday wear.
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions are characteristics located inside the diamond.
Common examples include:
- Crystals
- Feathers
- Clouds
- Needles
- Pinpoints
- Twinning wisps
- Internal graining
Some inclusions are tiny and difficult to locate even under magnification. Others may affect transparency, appearance, or durability.
The type of inclusion matters, but its size, number, position, colour, and visibility are also important.
What Are Blemishes?
Blemishes are surface characteristics.
Examples may include:
- Scratches
- Polish marks
- Extra facets
- Abrasions
- Naturals
- Surface graining
Minor blemishes are often difficult to see without magnification and may have little effect on beauty.
Understanding Clarity Grades
Common laboratory clarity grades include:
Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes are visible under standard magnification to a skilled grader.
Internally Flawless
No inclusions are visible, although minor surface blemishes may be present.
Very Very Slightly Included
Inclusions are extremely difficult or very difficult to detect under magnification.
This category includes VVS1 and VVS2.
Very Slightly Included
Minor inclusions are visible under magnification.
This category includes VS1 and VS2. Many VS diamonds appear completely clean without magnification.
Slightly Included
Noticeable inclusions are present under magnification.
This category includes SI1 and SI2. Some SI diamonds are eye-clean, while others have visible inclusions.
Included
Inclusions may be obvious and can sometimes affect appearance, transparency, or durability.
This category includes I1, I2, and I3.
What Does Eye-Clean Mean?
An eye-clean diamond has no inclusions that are easily visible without magnification under normal viewing conditions.
However, there is no single universal definition. Visibility can depend on:
- Viewing distance
- Lighting
- Eyesight
- Diamond size
- Diamond shape
- Inclusion position
A diamond may look clean from the top but show an inclusion from the side.
For many buyers, an eye-clean diamond offers better value than a higher grade with inclusions that are equally invisible during everyday wear.
Why Inclusion Position Matters
An inclusion near the edge of a diamond may be hidden by a prong. However, certain feathers near the edge may raise durability concerns.
An inclusion directly beneath the table may be easier to see because the table is the largest facet on the top of the diamond.
Dark inclusions may be more noticeable than white or transparent inclusions, even when they receive a similar clarity grade.
Clarity and Diamond Shape
Brilliant-cut diamonds, such as round, cushion, oval, and pear shapes, can hide some inclusions through their sparkle and facet patterns.
Step-cut diamonds, such as emerald and Asscher cuts, have broad, open facets. Their interior is easier to see, so buyers often prefer higher clarity grades for these shapes.
Larger diamonds may also require higher clarity because inclusions can become easier to notice as the stone increases in size.
Should You Buy the Highest Clarity Grade?
Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are rare, but their clarity advantage is usually not visible without magnification.
For many jewellery buyers, VS1, VS2, or a carefully selected SI1 diamond can provide an eye-clean appearance.
The best clarity grade is often the lowest grade that still looks clean and does not present durability concerns.
Final Thoughts
Clarity should be evaluated by more than the grade printed on a report.
Look at the inclusion type, size, position, colour, and visibility. Use magnified images to understand the stone, but remember that diamonds are normally viewed without magnification.
Choosing an eye-clean diamond can allow you to invest more of your budget in cut quality, size, or the setting while still enjoying a beautiful appearance.