Diamond Clarity Guide

Whether this is your first time or hundredth buying diamond jewelry, you've likely heard of the 4Cs — cut, color, carat and clarity. The more you understand about these diamond qualities, the easier it will be to find the perfect piece of diamond jewelry. This guide will explore diamond clarity, an essential quality that influences the look and other traits of a gemstone. Learn more below in this diamond clarity guide and get one step closer to finding the perfect diamond jewelry or engagement ring.

Diamond Clarity Definition

The meaning of diamond clarity is the gemstone's physical appearance — specifically, its transparency and sparkle. Clarity examines a stone's surface defects and internal characteristics. These qualities may be visible to the naked eye or under 10 times magnification, which a professional grader assesses. The fewer of these elements a diamond has, the higher its clarity is.

Types of Imperfections

When it comes to diamond clarity, there are two types of imperfections. These characteristics appear either on the surface of a diamond or inside it. As these gemstones form, they experience heat and pressure that influences their appearance. Those conditions create imperfections that make every diamond unique, and they may appear in various ways.

Internal Imperfections

Internal imperfections that affect a diamond's clarity are inclusions. In a diamond report, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains where these characteristics are. They also describe various inclusions you may find in a diamond, including:

 

• Feathers are a general term for a break, and they're often white and wispy.
• Bearded girdles are feather-like inclusions that go from the girdle, or the widest part of the diamond, into the stone.
• Bruises are often where two facets meet and are a small imperfection with feather-like inclusions.
• Clouds are small inclusions that, when close together, create a hazy look.
• Crystals are minerals that become trapped inside the diamond as it forms naturally.
• Needles are thin crystal inclusions that appear as small rods under 10 times magnification.
• Pinpoints are small crystals that appear as dots under 10 times magnification.

 

External Imperfections

External imperfections that impact diamond clarity are blemishes. Cutting the diamond may bring these characteristics to the surface, or the process itself may create these flaws. Again, GIA explains these details in a diamond report, with some possible diamond blemishes including:

 

• Scratches are dull white lines on a diamond's surface with no visible depth at 10 times magnification.
• Abrasions appear where facets meet, creating either a white or fuzzy look.
• Extra facets are often along the girdle and are unnecessary with a diamond's cut.
• Lizard skin is a textured appearance on the diamond's surface. It may be bumpy or wavy.
• Natural blemishes are the textures of the natural diamond left behind on a cut gemstone.
• Pits are small openings that appear as white dots on a diamond's surface.
• Polish lines result from polishing and appear on a facet, either as transparent or white parallel lines.

 

 

Clarity Grading Scale

To consider diamond clarity classification, we look to the authority on diamonds, GIA. Every diamond is unique, containing elements trapped inside as the gemstone forms. GIA created a diamond clarity scale, like the color scale, to examine factors like the number of characteristics, plus their size, visibility and location. Professional graders at GIA labs can then examine diamonds under 10 times magnification and determine where to put them on the diamond clarity scale.

The clarity classification features six categories, a few of which they've divided into subcategories. That makes it easier for GIA to rank the transparency, brilliance and fire of a diamond and for you to understand the differences between diamonds across the scale. The categories of diamond clarity classification include the following.

• Flawless: Abbreviated FL, flawless indicates that a diamond has no visible blemishes or inclusions under 10 times magnification.
• Internally Flawless: Abbreviated IF, this category includes diamonds with no visible inclusions under 10 times magnification.
• Very, Very Slightly Included: This category features VVS1, which is closer to IF, and VVS2, which is lower on the scale. These diamonds have such slight inclusions that they are difficult for a professional to see, even under 10 times magnification.
• Very Slightly Included: This category has two subcategories. VS1 is closer to VVS2, and VS2 is lower. These diamonds have inclusions that require some effort to see under 10 times magnification.
• Slightly Included: SI1, which is closer to VS2, and SI2, which is lower on the scale, are the subcategories of this classification. These diamonds have noticeable inclusions that graders can see under 10 times magnification.
• Included: This section, abbreviated as "I," has three subcategories. The categories include I1, which is closer to SI2, I2 and I3, which is at the end of the scale. These diamonds have apparent inclusions under 10 times magnification, so much so that they could impact the clarity.

When diamonds fall under categories with imperfections only visible under magnification, jewelers call them "eye-clean." That term means you can look at a diamond with the naked eye and not notice any blemishes or inclusions. VS2 diamonds and higher are eye-clean, while both SI1 and SI2 diamonds may or may not be eye-clean, depending on their imperfections. Included diamonds are not eye-clean.

Diamond Clarity FAQs

After understanding the classification and meaning of diamond clarity, you may find yourself with some additional questions. We've answered a few frequently asked questions about diamond clarity below to help you find the best diamond.

1. How Do the Imperfections Affect My Diamond?

As you're searching for the perfect diamond jewelry, you'll want to know how a diamond's clarity affects the gemstone. Here are the three major ways imperfections will affect your diamond.

 

• Appearance: The most significant effect of clarity on a diamond is to its appearance. While most categories of the diamond clarity scale feature blemishes and inclusions invisible to the naked eye, lower grades impact appearance. A stone at the lowest level will not be as transparent or as brilliant as one at the higher level. This effect is most noticeable in larger gemstones.
• Price: The lower a diamond is on the clarity scale, the more affordable it could be, all else being equal. If you were to compare two stones that both weighed over one carat and had the same cut and color, the one with fewer inclusions would cost more. For instance, an SI2 diamond can be around half the price of a higher quality VS1 diamond. SI2-level inclusions are easier to detect, though.
• Strength: The amount, location and size of characteristics in a diamond can affect its durability. If a gemstone has blemishes that go below the surface, there may be an effect on its integrity. Visible blemishes and inclusions have a significant impact on the gemstone's quality. Excessive inclusions affect its strength, as well, with more making a stone weaker and likely to crack at those points.

 

2. Does Clarity Affect Sparkle?

A diamond's cut — or the shape and facets — has the most significant effect on a diamond's sparkle. As light interacts with the cut, it reflects on internal facets and leaves as brightness, or white light, or divides into a rainbow, or fire. As you move the gemstone, you should see flashes and alternating types of reflections, creating the sparkle. While cut has a significant impact on this trait, other qualities like color and clarity affect a diamond's sparkle, as well.

To find a diamond with an impressive sparkle, select something above the SI2 classification. Anything in the Included category or SI2 has imperfections that affect a diamond's fire. That means a gemstone with inclusions and blemishes won't produce as many rainbow reflections that make diamond jewelry dazzling.

 

3. Are There Ways to Enhance a Diamond's Clarity?

Jewelers can enhance the clarity of a diamond. They'll often use a two-step process that creates a clearer stone, though it does come with drawbacks. To enhance a diamond's clarity, experts might follow these steps.

• Laser drilling: Professionals use lasers to drill microscopic holes into a diamond. They can then reach the inclusions within a diamond and clear them.
• Fracture filling: Once professionals laser drill a diamond, they must fill the holes left behind. Fracture filling uses a crystal-like material to make the tiny cavities less noticeable.

 

An enhanced diamond often has a lower price than a mined one with the same characteristics. That's because enhanced diamonds aren't entirely natural. They may also be weaker in contrast to mined diamonds. Enhanced diamonds with few inclusions don't usually have as much of an issue with durability. The problem comes when professionals remove plenty of inclusions, adding several holes throughout a diamond that compromise the gemstone's strength and structure. Additionally, GIA will not certify fracture-filled diamonds.

It's also essential to note that diamonds are forever, but fracture filling materials aren't. You shouldn't subject clarity-enhanced gemstones to extreme heat or ultrasonic cleaning. That would destroy the crystal filling, compromising your diamond's integrity. Consider whether you'd rather compromise on quality or price if you're thinking about getting an enhanced gemstone.

 

4. What Clarity Is the Best for a Diamond?

The clarity you should try to select for your diamond will depend on its size. Larger diamonds make it easier to see imperfections, while it's challenging to see characteristics in a smaller gemstone. Because of that, keep these clarity considerations in mind.

• Diamonds under one carat: For a smaller diamond, clarity isn't as essential to consider. It's harder to detect the imperfections in a small gemstone. Instead, focus on the other 4Cs to get a quality stone.
• Diamonds between one and two carats: For a clear diamond between these sizes, consider an SI1 or better. Any inclusions within that category or better will be invisible to the naked eye.
• Diamonds over two carats: If you're looking at diamonds larger than two carats, consider VS2 or better. Your diamonds' only imperfections will be visible under magnification and still take effort to see.

5. What's More Important — Carat or Clarity?

Both diamond qualities are essential to consider when selecting a stone. These traits affect a diamond's appearance and price. Ultimately, you should consider carat weight first. That'll give you an idea of what size you're looking for. You can then prioritize different diamond clarities based on that decision to find a beautiful gemstone.

6. Do All Diamonds Have Imperfections?

As you're shopping for jewelry, it's best to understand that all diamonds have imperfections. A flawless diamond is so rare that some jewelers go their entire careers without seeing one. Even if you were to find a perfect diamond, it would have a much higher price than an eye-clean one. Accept that all gemstones will have imperfections, but use what you've learned in this diamond clarity guide, along with your budget and other preferences, to find the perfect one.

7. Where Should the Imperfections Be?

Because all diamonds have imperfections, you'll want to know the best place for these characteristics to be. Many jewelers and collectors consider the girdle or the pavilion to be the best place on a diamond for inclusions or blemishes. The girdle is the band along the diamond's widest point, and the pavilion is anything below the girdle, often creating a V shape. These parts of a gemstone are often less visible in a jewelry setting than the table, or the top horizontal surface. Imperfections in the table could be more visible and affect the look of a diamond when you wear it.

If you can, focus on selecting a diamond with imperfections at and below the girdle. You should also keep your ideal jewelry setting in mind. Prong or tension settings show off a lot of a stone compared to a bezel or flush setting, for instance.

 

Choose a Jeweler You Trust to Help You Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

When you're looking for a dazzling diamond, shop with a jeweler you trust. At Koser Jewelers, we buy gemstones based on beauty, not grading reports. That means you'll find a bright, beautiful diamond that's better for your budget in our store. We also work to understand what you want from a diamond beyond the numbers. What do you want the diamond jewelry to say? We'll ask telling questions beyond what clarity you're looking for. The result is the perfect diamond engagement ring or other jewelry items that let you speak without words.

Contact Koser Jewelers today to learn more about our diamond jewelry, or check out our diamond engagement rings online.