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A Guide to Diamond Clarity
A diamond begins as carbon formed deep beneath the earth’s surface, where extreme heat and pressure gradually create its crystalline structure. As diamonds form, natural internal features known as inclusions, and external surface features known as blemishes, can develop.
These characteristics may affect how light travels through the stone, influencing its brilliance and overall appearance. Clarity refers to the number, size, position, colour and visibility of these inclusions and blemishes, and forms one of the 4Cs of diamond quality: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
The diamond clarity chart
A diamond clarity chart is a grading scale used to describe the presence and visibility of inclusions and blemishes within a diamond. The most widely recognised clarity grading system was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), an independent non-profit institute established in 1931 and regarded as a global authority in gemmological research, education and diamond grading.
The GIA clarity scale includes six main categories, divided into 11 grades:
Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to detect under 10x magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Minor inclusions are visible with effort under 10x magnification.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.
Included (I1, I2 and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency, brilliance or durability.
To the naked eye, diamonds from different clarity grades can sometimes appear very similar. However, their differences can be significant in terms of rarity, value and overall quality. This is why careful assessment, certification and an understanding of the clarity scale are essential when selecting a diamond.
Understanding Diamond Clarity Grades
When judging clarity, gemmologists consider how visible these characteristics and how much they may affect the diamond’s overall appearance:
Size: Larger inclusions or blemishes are generally easier to see and can have a greater effect on the clarity grade.
Quantity: The number of clarity characteristics also matters. Several small inclusions may influence the grade just as much as one more noticeable mark.
Location: Characteristics positioned beneath the table or close to the centre of the stone are usually more significant than those near the outer edges, as they can be more visible and may interfere more with light performance.
Type: Not all inclusions are equal. Crystals, feathers, clouds, cavities, and other natural features can each affect a diamond differently depending on their form and severity.
Visibility: The contrast between a clarity characteristic and the surrounding diamond is also important. A darker or more obvious inclusion will usually have a stronger impact than one that blends into the stone.
Assessing clarity requires trained judgement, as these factors work together rather than in isolation. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity system provides a consistent framework for grading diamonds, helping buyers compare stones with greater confidence.
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