Diamond Clarity: You Don't Need a Flawless Diamond

What is diamond clarity?

The term “diamond clarity” refers to ratings given based upon how “crystal clear” it is on a clarity scale. Almost all diamonds have some marks on the inside of the stone that gemologists call “inclusions.” The most common diamond inclusions are:

• Crystals – small mineral crystals inside your diamond.
• Pinpoints – tiny crystals that look like dots even under the microscope.
• Clouds – a gathering of small crystals or pinpoints.
• Feathers – a fracture in the diamond crystal which occurred while the diamond was forming.
• Growth Remnants – unique to lab grown diamonds, growth remnants are non-diamond impurities caught in the diamond crystal during formation.

In addition, diamonds can have exterior markings too, which gemologists call “blemishes.” These occur during polishing and daily wear. Common blemishes include:

• Natural – a small dip on the edge of a polished diamond showing rough crystal.
• Bearding – a series of small nicks around the outside edge of a diamond done during cutting.
• Extra facet – an additional cut on a diamond, unnecessary to the gem’s design.
• Nicks, chips, scratches – damage to the stone from wear or setting.

Many inclusions and blemishes are so small you can’t see them without a microscope. Inclusions are like the fingerprint of the diamond – each is unique! So, knowing the inclusions of your stone can help you to identify it. This is important so when you have your ring repaired or cleaned, you know you get your stone back.

What are diamond clarity grades?

The diamond clarity scale begins at FL (flawless) and ends at I3 (included, level three) on the other. There are varying levels in-between. All other factors being equal, the closer to FL a diamond sits on this clarity chart, the rarer and more expensive it is.

Flawless & Internally Flawless Diamond Clarity

The first diamond clarity tier on the chart is Flawless (FL) and internally flawless (IF). Flawless (FL) diamonds have no internal inclusions and no blemishes at all. They sit on pillows in museums! In fact, flawless (FL) diamonds are so rare that once set in a piece of jewelry, the stone loses its flawless grade. Because diamond experts assume setting a stone blemishes it, after setting, a flawless diamond becomes internally flawless. In other words, internally flawless (IF) stones are totally free from internal inclusions of any kind, but may have a small nick, scratch, or extra facet to identify it.

VVS1 and VVS2 Diamond Clarity

The next tier down on the clarity scale is VVS (which means “very very slightly” included – we kid you not. These gems have “very very” tiny inclusions, which are difficult for even a trained gemologist to spot under a microscope. VVS1 diamonds may have a single pinpoint under 10x magnification. In comparison, VVS2 stones may have a few pinpoints or tiny crystals.

VS1 and VS2 Diamond Clarity

Inclusions in VS stones are still very small, even under magnification. These inclusions are easier to spot by a trained eye, but cannot be seen without a microscope. VS1 stones may have a few small crystals, whereas VS2 stones begin to show more variety in inclusions and may possess tiny feathers, clouds, and/or crystals.

SI1, SI2, and sometimes SI3 Diamond Clarity

SI stones are the last tier of the diamond clarity chart in which diamonds can be clean to the naked eye. SI1 diamonds have inclusions which are likely visible to the untrained eye under 10x magnification. Comparatively, SI2 stones may have inclusions which are visible to a discerning naked eye – but likely would require magnification for others.

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) invented the clarity grade “SI3.” The rest of the diamond industry does not recognize SI3 grading. So, if you are currently looking at a diamond with an SI3 grade, you should consider the stone a GIA I1 or I2.

I1, I2, and I3 Diamond Clarity

Diamonds that fall in the I1-I3 clarity chart tier have visible inclusions without a microscope. I1 clarity have the least amount of eye-visible inclusions, whereas I2 diamonds have very visible inclusions. I3 diamonds are the lowest clarity grade possible prior to industrial drill bit use. As the inclusions present in I1-I3 diamonds detract from the beauty of the gems, Do Amore does not sell them.

Which clarity is the best for diamonds?

While they are the rarest, diamonds with clarity grades of FL, IF, and VVS are very expensive. As a result, you can get a lot more value by purchasing a diamond graded VS2 or SI1. These gems are beautiful, typically eye-clean, and will save you some money. Above all, to your fiancée’s naked eye, there will be no difference between a flawless diamond and an eye clean VS2 or SI1 diamond of equal size, cut, and color! For this reason, stones graded as a VS2 or SI1 on the clarity scale are best value when considering a diamond’s clarity.

Should I look for a flawless diamond?

Probably not. While diamond clarity is important, most couples today state that ethical sourcing and beautiful design play a larger role in their engagement ring. The majority of couples we work with prefer a larger eye-clean diamond over a smaller flawless diamond. Choosing an eye-clean diamond instead of a flawless diamond gives you the most value. So unless your partner has specifically requested a FL, IF, or VVS stone, odds are they’re not expecting one.

How do gemologists grade diamond clarity?

Diamond clarity grading takes place under 10x magnification and daylight-equivalent lighting. In addition, diamonds are graded “face-up,” the same way a diamond is set in jewelry. This is because inclusions look larger and more noticeable face-down, and clarity is a relative grade. The less noticeable a diamond’s inclusions are, the closer to flawless it will grade.

The size of a diamond will affect its clarity grade. For example, a large diamond may have a small, but eye-visible, inclusion yet still receive a high clarity grade. This is because the inclusion is relatively small in comparison to the size of the stone. A smaller stone with the same size inclusion would receive a lower clarity grade, given the inclusion’s size relative to the smaller stone.

How does my diamond’s shape affect clarity?

The cut and shape of a stone can also affect the stone’s clarity grade. This is because certain shapes, such as emerald cut and asscher cut, do not mask inclusions. Emerald and asscher cuts have long, mirror-like cut patterns called “step cuts” which are intended to show off high clarity and color grades. Inclusions, if present, are more visible in these stones than “brilliant cut” gems like rounds, pears, and ovals. So, if you are considering an emerald cut or an asscher cut diamond, in order to ensure your stone is eye clean, you should consider diamonds graded VVS1 or VVS2 on the clarity chart.

In brilliant-cut stones, the diamond’s cut pattern (its “facets”) creates sparkle! If an inclusion is well hidden by the sparkle of its facets, it will grade higher on the scale. Likewise, if the cutting quality is poor, inclusions may be more noticeable, resulting in a lower clarity scale rating. So, if you are considering a round, oval, pear, heart, cushion, radiant, marquise, or princess cut diamond, look for eye clean stones in grades VS2 and SI1.

GIA Certificates v. Other Labs

Before you go, let’s talk about sources of information. Although there are many gem labs out there that grade diamonds (GIA, IGI, EGL, AGS, and a bunch of “in house” certifiers) they are not all created equal! This post discusses GIA clarity grades, which are the industry standard. Because of this, GIA is the most trusted gemological lab, and grades diamonds with the strictest ethics.

Sadly, many other labs do not grade as strictly as GIA which results in customers buying upgraded stones. Upgrading occurs when a diamond that GIA would grade lower on the clarity scale is graded much higher by a less reputable gem lab. For example, a GIA I1 may be graded by another lab as an SI1. Don’t let them fool you! An upgraded report cannot magically make a diamond a higher clarity grade, or more valuable. Because we strive for complete transparency and want the best for our customers, Do Amore only sells GIA-certified natural diamonds. This ensures that you get exactly what you pay for.

Can you help me find an eye clean diamond?

Yes, I would love to! I can do a custom search to help you hand-select the perfect eye clean stone for your special engagement and make sure the diamond clarity is ideal. Email me here or send us a note here, and tell me a bit about what you’re looking for and I will email you back a personalized selection of diamonds! Or, alternatively, check out the recommended diamonds I have selected based on gemologist confirmed eye-clean clarity, ideally cut proportions, and utmost bang for your buck!