Clarity

Like color, the clarity of a diamond can be mapped on a chart. It refers to cleanliness or purity within the diamond. Every diamond is unique. You can distinguish between two stones with similar characteristics by the imperfections in the diamond.

It is very rare to find a diamond with no imperfections (referred to as inclusions), thus causing such diamonds to be more valuable. While most diamonds have imperfections, most of them cannot be seen to the untrained eye. They are graded under 10X magnification, which is the standard in the diamond market. You may have used a loupe before when looking at diamonds. This is a tiny magnifier of 10X that most jewelers use. When clarity is graded on a diamond it reflects not only the number of imperfections, but the size and location as well. This is why two diamonds with the same clarity grade can appear different under magnification. The following chart will describe the clarity of diamonds:

• F, IF means Flawless or Internally Flawless. These diamonds are extremely rare because there are no imperfections even under magnification.
• VVS1, VVS2 is very, very, slightly included. They are near flawless and extremely difficult to detect the pinpoint flaws under magnification.
• VS1, VS2 means very slightly included. The inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and still difficult to detect under 10X magnification.
• SI1, SI2, SI3 means slightly included. The imperfections should be very difficult to see with the naked eye. Under 10X magnification, the imperfections should be easy to detect.
• I1, I2, I3 means included diamonds. The imperfections are eye visible and easy to find under 10X magnification.