All you need to know about the Diamond Clarity Chart

What is Diamond Clarity?

A diamond’s clarity is one of the four C’s of diamond grading that’s affecting the stone’ quality. The other four C’s being color, cut, and carat. Diamonds have different types of clarity depending on their visual appearance and internal characteristics which are called inclusions.

The more inclusions a diamond has, the less brilliant it becomes. Diamonds with the least number of flaws are considered extremely rare therefore they come at a high cost. Using a diamond clarity chart, you can learn how to measure a diamond clarity scale. 

While inclusions are normally inherent qualities of a diamond which were formed during the crystal’s growth underground, some inclusions are accidents and a result of harsh handling during the cutting process. 

Grading the Clarity of a Diamond 

The diamond clarity scale is based on a lot of factors; some of which include the size, number, and location of the flaw. Most inclusions are usually not seen by the naked eye even expert graders must use a 10x microscope to rate a diamond’s clarity. The term eye clean is used to describe a diamond with inclusion that is not visible without a microscope or any form of lens. If an inclusion cannot be viewed from the top, then the diamond can’t be used to determine its clarity grade. Gemologists use various types of tools and lenses to determine the position, size, and type of inclusions.

The original diamond clarity chart was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has 6 criteria’s: 

• Flawless (FL) - This clarity grade has no inclusions visible using 10x magnification under favorable lighting conditions. 

• Internally Flawless (IF) - This clarity grade has no inclusions but has blemishes visible using 10x magnification. The faults are so tiny that they can simply be removed with gentle polishing and only a small loss of weight. 

• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - Has inclusions but are very difficult for a qualified observer too see under 10x magnification. 

• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - Minor inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification. These inclusions can either be several small blemishes or one large internal fault. 

• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) - Noticeable significant inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Faults can be seen clearly by the naked eye. 

• Included (I1, I2, and I3) - Noticeable inclusions can also affect transparency and brilliance. 

Types of Diamond Inclusions 

You should think of inclusions like a diamond’s birthmark, they’re not all the same and each diamond has different kinds of inclusion. While some inclusions can appear as a haze or fuzz, others look like blemishes or openings. The most expensive diamonds are those that have absolutely no inclusions and blemishes. 

External Flaws 

• Natural - unpolished diamond surface which is original skin of a rough diamond. 

• Cavity - a huge opening on the diamond’s surface. They are often formed during the polishing process.

• Chips - small openings on the diamond’s surface. Chips are often found near the edges and are caused by accidental knocks and bumps.  

• Feather - small cracks on the diamond that can hardly be noticed unless you look at it at a certain angle. It reduces the clearness of the diamond and replaces it with a whitish appearance.

• Carbon spot - small dark dots on the surface of the stone. They are less common than pinpoints. 

Internal Flaws

• Pinpoints - tiny white or black crystals that are ingrained inside a diamond.

• Graining - inclusion caused by irregular crystal growth. Graining appears like a reflective whitish line on a diamond. They give the diamond a hazy appearance. 

• Needle - needle-shaped inclusions that appear in clusters and affect the diamond’s clarity. 

• Indented Natural - a diamond flaw which can be see below the polished surface of a diamond. 

• Cloud - cloud inclusions are a cluster of crystals that are very close to each other. The larger these cloud formation, the less brilliant the diamond appears. 

• Bearding - like facial hair, these inclusions come in short strand-like appearance. They are often grey and fuzzy. 

• Twinning Wisps - are often growth defects in a crystal’s structure. It’s usually a combination of inclusions such as feathers, clouds, and pinpoints. 

Clarity Enhancement

With the technology we have today, it’s possible to improve the clarity of diamonds. An expert of the craft can polish away mild to slightly severe external blemishes. This can be done through laser drilling where a laser is used to drill a small hole in the diamond to fix the inclusions. 

Another type of clarity enhancement is called fracture filling. Fracture filling involves the use of glass to mask the internal fracture of a diamond. Please be aware that the size, weight, and shape of the diamond can sometimes be at risk. So, if you’re going to buy a diamond, make sure you’re choosing one that can be naturally modified.  

What to Consider when Selecting Your Desired Clarity? 

Are you looking for a perfect gift for your perfect person? There’s no better way to symbolize “perfection” than a beautiful diamond ring. If you want a diamond that has little or no inclusions, we recommend choosing round cut diamond rings with a clarity rating of FL, IF, or VVS. 

However, if you want to save more money and get practical you can get a diamond with a much lower quality grade like VS and S1. A stone with an S12 inclusion can sometimes appear flawless so make sure you’re inspecting each diamond you consider purchasing. Don’t simply choose the most expensive based on the diamond clarity chart, you must inspect it to see for yourself the real diamond clarity scale.  

Many people would consider clarity as the least important factor when purchasing diamonds. This is because the chance of someone pulling out a 10x microscope to examine your diamond is very slim. Working within your budget when selecting a diamond is the best way to find what the best diamond clarity grade that is right for you.