Diamond Clarity
Choosing the right diamond means understanding what affects its appearance and value, and clarity is a crucial factor in that. As one of the Four Cs (along with cut, colour, and carat weight), clarity refers to the presence of natural imperfections within the stone. Understanding how clarity impacts a diamond’s brilliance and rarity can help you make a more confident, informed decision.
At Ben Moss Jewellers, we pride ourselves on guiding Canadian customers through every step of their diamond-buying journey, including helping you understand how clarity impacts your diamond choice. This comprehensive guide will explain what diamond clarity means, how it’s graded, why it matters, and how you can use this knowledge to select the best diamond for your needs.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of tiny imperfections within and on the surface of a diamond. These imperfections are natural and occur during a diamond’s formation deep within the Earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure over billions of years.
Clarity is assessed by examining:
- Inclusions: Internal imperfections such as crystals, feathers, clouds, or tiny fractures trapped inside the diamond.
- Blemishes: External surface irregularities like scratches, nicks, or pits.
Think of these as the diamond’s unique “fingerprints.” While no diamond is perfectly flawless, those with fewer and less visible imperfections are generally more valuable and visually appealing.
Why Is Clarity One of the Four Cs?
The Four Cs: cut, colour, carat, and clarity - are the universal standards used to evaluate diamonds. Clarity specifically impacts:
- Appearance: Imperfections can affect a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle.
- Durability: Certain inclusions might weaken the diamond’s structure.
- Value: Diamonds with fewer imperfections typically command higher prices.
Understanding clarity helps you strike a balance between beauty, durability, and budget to find a diamond that suits your personal style and investment goals.
What Are Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes?
Inclusions (Internal Imperfections)
- Tiny crystals or minerals trapped inside the diamond.
- Feathers or minor fractures.
- Clouds or hazy areas caused by clusters of tiny inclusions.
- Needles or thin, elongated inclusions.
Blemishes (External Imperfections)
- Scratches or abrasions on the diamond’s surface.
- Nicks or chips on edges or facets.
- Polishing lines or pits.
While inclusions and blemishes are natural, their size, number, type, and location determine how much they affect the diamond’s appearance and value. For example, an inclusion hidden beneath a facet or near the edge may be less noticeable than one directly under the table (the large flat facet on top).
How Do Inclusions and Blemishes Affect Diamond Value?
The presence of inclusions and blemishes can significantly influence a diamond’s value, depending on their size, number, location, and type. Larger or more numerous imperfections typically lower a diamond’s clarity grade and market price. Flaws that appear near the surface or in prominent areas can diminish brilliance and may even affect durability over time.
Additionally, the type of imperfection matters; certain inclusions, such as feathers, can compromise the structural integrity, while others, like tiny internal crystals, may have little to no impact on the diamond’s appearance. In general, diamonds with fewer and less noticeable imperfections are rarer and more valuable. That said, many inclusions are microscopic and do not detract from the diamond’s visual beauty when viewed without magnification.
The GIA Diamond Clarity Chart and Grading Scale
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the leading authority on diamond grading and developed the standard diamond clarity chart used worldwide. Diamonds are graded under 10x magnification by expert gemologists.
GIA Clarity Grades Explained
| Grade | Description | Visibility of Imperfections |
| Flawless (FL) | No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification | Extremely rare and valuable |
| Internally Flawless (IF) | No internal inclusions; only minor surface blemishes | Very rare |
| Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2) | Minute inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification | Almost invisible |
| Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2) | Minor inclusions are somewhat difficult to detect under 10x magnification | Usually invisible to the naked eye |
| Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2) | Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification; sometimes visible to the naked eye | It may affect appearance depending on location |
| Included (I1, I2 & I3) | Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and are often visible to the naked eye | May affect brilliance and durability |
Simple Guide to Choosing Diamond Clarity
- Use a 10x Magnifier
A 10x jeweller’s loupe is the standard tool for inspecting a diamond’s clarity. At Ben Moss Jewellers, our experts can guide you through the process of using one, so you can spot any natural marks inside the stone yourself.
- Match Clarity to Your Budget
Flawless diamonds are rare and expensive, but you don’t need perfection to get a stunning gem. Diamonds graded VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) often look flawless to the eye and offer great value.
- Think About the Setting
The ring style can help hide minor imperfections. Designs like halo or bezel settings can draw attention away from minor inclusions.
- Trust What You See
Not all flaws are visible without magnification. If a diamond looks clear and sparkles beautifully to your eye, it’s likely a great choice, regardless of its technical clarity grade.
Laboratory-Grown vs. Natural Diamond Clarity
Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds and are graded using the same GIA clarity scale. Due to controlled growth environments, lab-grown diamonds often have fewer inclusions; however, natural diamonds possess unique characteristics that have formed over millions of years.
At Ben Moss Jewellers, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, with full clarity grading, allowing you to select the best option for your preferences and budget.
Ben Moss Jewellers’ Clarity Standards
We ensure that every diamond we offer meets rigorous clarity standards, providing exceptional beauty and value. Our expert jewellers are ready to guide you through understanding clarity grades and help you select a diamond that matches your expectations.
Diamond Clarity FAQs
Q: Can a diamond’s clarity impact how much it sparkles?
A: Clarity can influence a diamond’s brilliance, especially if it has noticeable flaws in key areas where light enters or reflects. That said, many diamonds with small or well-placed inclusions still offer excellent sparkle, often indistinguishable from higher-clarity stones to the naked eye.
Q: Can diamond clarity be improved?
A: Some treatments, like laser drilling or fracture filling, can make inclusions less visible, but these processes may affect value and must be disclosed. Natural, untreated clarity is generally more desirable.
Q: Is clarity more important than cut or colour when choosing a diamond?
A: Not always. While clarity plays a role, the cut has a bigger impact on how much a diamond sparkles. A lower-clarity diamond with an excellent cut can look more stunning than a flawless one that’s poorly cut. For the best overall quality, it’s essential to consider all four Cs: cut, clarity, colour, and carat, together.
Q: What clarity grade should I choose for an engagement ring?
A: Most people choose VS1–SI2 clarity for engagement rings because these diamonds appear eye-clean and offer excellent value. It ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.
Q: What’s the difference between inclusions and blemishes in a diamond?
A: Inclusions are tiny flaws found inside the diamond, such as small cracks or mineral spots that formed naturally. Blemishes, on the other hand, are marks or irregularities on the surface, often caused during cutting or handling.
Q: Will I be able to see inclusions without magnification?
A: It depends on the clarity grade. In higher clarity diamonds, imperfections are usually too small to notice without a jeweller’s loupe. In diamonds with lower grades like SI or I, some inclusions might be visible to the naked eye, especially in certain lighting or at close range.
Q: Are flawless diamonds worth the premium price?
A: Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and expensive. Many buyers find VS or SI clarity diamonds offer the best balance of beauty and value.
Q: How is diamond clarity graded?
A: Certified gemologists examine diamonds under 10x magnification to assess the number, size, and location of imperfections before assigning a clarity grade.
Visit Ben Moss Jewellers for Expert Diamond Clarity Guidance
Understanding diamond clarity empowers you to make confident jewellery decisions. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or a special treat, Ben Moss Jewellers offers expert advice and a stunning selection of diamonds graded for clarity and quality.
Explore our diamond collection online or visit one of our store locations across Canada to experience the brilliance of diamonds in person.
Discover the perfect diamond clarity for your next jewellery purchase with Ben Moss Jewellers, where expertise meets exceptional value.
A: Flawless (FL)/ Internally Flawless (IF)
- A flawless grade is used for diamonds when a qualified appraiser, under favorable lighting conditionals is unable to find any internal or external blemishes under 10 x magnifications. Internally flawless diamonds are quite rare.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS)
- Diamonds that receive this grade have small inclusions that are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.
- There are two levels in this grading VVS1 and VVS2.
Very Slightly Included (VS)
- Diamonds receiving this grade have small internal inclusions that are difficult to see unless under 10x magnification.
- There are two levels in this grading VS1 and VS2.
Slightly Included (SI)
- Diamonds receiving this grade have inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification and may also be see unaided by the eye.
- There are two levels in this grading SI1 and SI2.
Included (I)
- Diamonds receiving this grade have inclusions that are noticeably visable under 10x magnification. The inclusions may affect transparency and brilliance.
- There are three levels in this grading I1 and I2 and I3.
A: An inclusion, found on the inside of the diamond or a blemish found on the outside of the diamond, is a cluster of small minerals. Think of them as discoloration or marks, that get trapped when a diamond is being formed or when it is being cut, polished, or set into jewellery.
A: To determine a diamond's clarity, it is viewed under a 10x magnification by a skilled and experienced grader. The jewellers’ loupe, a small 10-power (10x) magnifying glass, is typically the tool used to show a customer the characteristics of a diamond and is the standard magnification when assessing diamond clarity. Almost all diamonds have inclusions or blemishes, most too small to see without magnification.