Diamond Education: Clarity
The value and beauty of diamonds are primarily evaluated by the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. While we’re immediately taken by the sparkle and size of a diamond, an understanding of clarity can help you appreciate its inner beauty and structure. In this post, we’ll uncover what diamond clarity is by understanding the types of inclusions that affect it, how it’s graded, and what that means for the appearance and value of a diamond.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
A diamond’s clarity is determined by the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes. Natural imperfections inside the diamond, such as small crystal formations or internal lines, are called inclusions. Over time, as diamonds have formed under intense pressure and heat deep within the Earth, these natural occurrences have become part of their unique story. Imperfections on the surface of the diamond are called blemishes, and are often a result of errors made in the cutting and polishing process that have left behind tiny nicks or scratches.
The fewer and less noticeable these imperfections are, the higher the clarity grade. In most cases, these imperfections are only visible under magnification and don’t affect the beauty of the stone to the naked eye. While no diamond is perfect, larger or more noticeable imperfections can reduce the value of the diamond and diminish its brilliance. Note that many individuals actually view these natural inclusions as a signature of authenticity, a reminder of the journey the gemstone has undergone from formation to refinement from its origins deep within the earth.
How Is Diamond Clarity Graded by the GIA?
The most widely used grading scale for diamond clarity was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Diamond graders examine the gems under 10x magnification, taking into consideration the size, nature, position, and visibility of each imperfection. They then rate the diamond into one of six categories and 11 specific grades, allowing for a detailed and precise rating of each piece. The precision of these grades helps make sure that each diamond is accurately judged and represented. This helps give buyers the confidence they need to choose a stone that’s based on the qualities that matter most to them.
- FL (Flawless): Diamonds in this category have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. They are very rare and extremely valuable.
- IF (Internally Flawless): These diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10X magnification, but do have minor blemishes. IF diamonds are also quite rare and valuable.
- VVS1 and VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions found within these diamonds are so small that they’re difficult to detect, even under magnification. VVS diamonds are excellent in clarity, and very popular for use in jewelery.
- VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions are found in these diamonds, but they’re difficult to see without magnification. These diamonds offer good quality and affordability.
- Sl1 and Sl2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are visible under magnification and may even be visible to the naked eye, especially in larger diamonds. Sl diamonds are a great option for those who prioritize size over clarity.
- I1, I2, and I3 (Included): All I rated diamonds have obvious inclusions that are visible without magnification. I rated diamonds will have reduced brilliance and may even have structural concerns due to the prominence of these inclusions.
Note that when it comes to clarity, the size of the diamond and its surface area are important. Smaller diamonds have an easier time hiding inclusions than larger ones, so clarity grades are not as important for smaller gemstones. Naturally, in larger diamonds inclusions and blemishes are much easier to see, making clarity a major factor in their value and appearance.
How Does Diamond Clarity Affect Beauty and Value?
We love diamonds because of their brilliance and timelessness. The sparkle and brilliance of a diamond is caused by light refracting through it, and imperfections can change that movement. A diamond’s clarity rating will give you valuable insight into if, and how, that particular diamond’s imperfections will affect its beauty, value, and longevity.
Since we want our diamonds to sparkle and shine, it makes sense that higher rated gemstones will be more valuable and desirable. A diamond doesn’t have to be rated FL or even IF to be a beautiful gem, though. Many diamonds rated in the VS or Sl have inclusions that are impossible (or nearly impossible) to see with the naked eye, and may not affect the beauty of the stone. These diamonds can offer both good quality and affordability. Furthermore, keep in mind inclusions that are hidden in the pavilion or near the girdle of a diamond are less likely to interfere with the diamond’s overall brilliance. This makes stones with these inclusion profiles an attractive option for those seeking a larger gem with minimal impact on clarity.
Clarity vs the Other Cs
While clarity is important, it must be considered with the rest of the four Cs: cut, color, and carat.
- Cut: Cut refers to how well the diamond is shaped and faceted. Even lower clarity grade diamonds can look stunning with a good cut, since imperfections can be hidden by the brilliance created by the gem’s facets.
- Color: Diamonds with as little color as possible are given higher color grades. A high color grade diamond with a high clarity rating will have a splendid colorless beauty and shine. Colored diamonds can often hide inclusions, making the clarity rating less crucial.
- Carat: Carat is the weight of a diamond, meaning the higher the carat, the larger the gemstone. Larger diamonds will struggle to hide imperfections, so ideal stones will have both a high carat and a high clarity rating. Its important to note that while carat refers to weight, not all higher-carat diamonds appear significantly larger. This is because appearance of diamond size also depends on its cut. This makes the combination of carat and clarity a nuanced decision.
Summary
Understanding clarity can help you make the best decision when choosing the perfect diamond for you. While some may want their diamond to be as close to flawless as possible, others may place a higher value on larger or more affordable pieces. Others still may value individuality over near-perfection, and may enjoy the individualistic beauty from inclusions like feathers or crystals. It’s all a matter of taste.
In the end, choosing the right diamond is a highly personal experience. When buying a diamond, it’s always best to see it in person so that you can evaluate how visible the imperfections are, and decide whether or not they affect the beauty of the stone for you.
When you’re ready to find your ideal diamond, whether it’s as a loose stone or in one-of-a-kind custom piece, come visit the team at TeLayne Designs.
The worldwide connections we’ve made and the experience we’ve gained over the last 40+ years will help ensure that you find the exact diamond you need, at the right price.
We will walk you through the diamond selection process, helping you find the perfect stone for your budget and style, and set it on a piece that’s sure to be treasured for generations to come.