Diamond Clarity

Clarity refers to how pure the diamond is on the inside. Most diamonds have some inclusions on the inside. Inclusions include things such as internal flaws or cracks and dark specks of color (which may be foreign material or irregular crystals).

The number, nature and placement of the inclusions inside a diamond determine the grade of clarity. The clarity of a diamond is graded by using a 10x microscope or jeweler’s loupe (a magnifying glass you can put in your eye).

• FL-IF: Flawless- Internally Flawless
o No inclusions are visible under 10X magnification

• VVS1/VVS2: Very Very Slight Inclusions
o Inclusions are extremely minute and extremely difficult to locate under 10X magnification
o VVS2 is slightly worse than VVS1

• VS1/VS2: Very Slight Inclusions
o Inclusions are minor and difficult to locate under 10X magnification
o VS2 is slightly worse than VS1

• SI1/SI2: Slight Inclusions
o Inclusions are noticeable and relatively easy to locate under 10x magnification
o SI2 is slightly worse than SI1

• I1/I2/I3: Included
o Inclusions are obvious under 10X magnification
o Inclusions are visible to the naked eye
o I3 is slightly worse than I2 which is slightly worse than I1

Inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, without a microscope decrease the value of a diamond more than inclusions that are only available with a microscope.

Depending on where the inclusion is located, it may be possible to hide it with the setting, so it isn’t seen. However, an inclusion that is in the middle or top of a stone may affect the way light passes through and reflects from a diamond and may make it seem less brilliant.

When you look at a diamond, make sure to ask for the report. The report should have a drawing of the location of the diamond’s inclusions. This is like a road map of the diamond.

Make sure to have the salesperson show you where the inclusions are under a 10X magnification. Compare what you see under 10X magnification to what you see on the report’s drawing of the diamond.

Since an internally flawless (IF) diamond is rarer than an “I3”, the internally flawless diamond is more expensive. However, the thing to keep in mind about inclusions is that most of the time, unless you have a microscope or loupe, you can’t tell the difference between a diamond that is “IF”, “VVS”, or “VS”.

Some people say that because of this, you should go with a “VS” diamond. Since a “VS” diamond will be less expensive than a “VVS” or “IF”, you can take the money you saved there and go with a larger or more colorless stone.

Again, to make a decision, you have to know your girlfriend. However, you should know that even a stone that is included (I1, I2, or I3) may be an option. Depending on where the inclusion is, you may be able to hide it with the setting of the ring. This would allow you to save even more money.