Education center

Diamond Clarity

One of the fundamental characteristics of a diamond is its clarity. It determines the amount and color of extraneous inclusions in a cut diamond, its cleavage, and its degree of transparency.

A perfect specimen has no inclusions and is considered a masterpiece. However, such diamonds do not exist: even the purest stones have some inclusions and dull areas.

The inclusions can vary, including graphite, ilmenite, magnetite, garnet, malacolite, etc., which determine the color of the flaw (the most common are white opaque inclusions). A large number of large dark inclusions visible to the naked eye puts a stone in the “piqué” or “borderline” category, which lowers its price.

Parallel to clarity is the term “transparency”. It defines not only the presence of obvious inclusions, but also the clearnes of a stone. In fact, clarity and transparency are one and the same.

The external inclusions are called flaws. Most of them can be removed during cutting.

But the internal flaws, inclusions, must be tolerated. As for the latter, it is not always possible to eliminate them without considerable loss. A good stone is one where they are practically invisible to the naked eye, but without any words they are a proof of its natural origin.

The GIA system uses a literal-numerical notation for the clarity of diamonds. The abbreviations define the quality, quantity, color, and degree of flaws.

F-IF	Flawless. No inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification	Internally flawless. No inclusions under 10X magnification
VVS1-VVS2	Very, very slightly included. Contains minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10X magnification
VS1-VS2	Very Slightly included. Contains minute inclusions such as clouds or crystals when observed under 10X magnification
SI1-SI2	Slightly included. Contains noticeable inclusions (knots, feathers, clouds, included crystals, and cavities) under 10X magnification.
I1-I2-I3	Imperfect. Contains obvious inclusions (large feathers or large knots) that may be seen without magnification

A tenfold magnification loupe is used for clarity grading.

Please refer to the GIA table below for the characteristics of diamond clarity.

What is the best clarity for a diamond? A diamond is considered good if its clarity falls within the range of SI3 according to the GIA.

Diamonds of clarity IF are close to ideal, so their price is exorbitant and such stones are only available to the very rich.

A diamond with a clarity VVS 1 (very very small inclusions) is a beautiful stone with no more than three slight inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye.

VVS2 clarity diamonds are very good from all points of view: they are great as inserts in exclusive pieces of jewelry (they are almost never found in standard jewelry because they are quite expensive).

The stones of VS1 and VS2 clarity are not bad either: they represent the best combination of price and quality, which is why they are used for mass-market jewelry (if this term can be applied to diamond jewelry at all).

If you are investing in diamonds, it is better to choose diamonds of grade VVS2, VS1, VS2. They are easy to resell, and diamonds are only getting more expensive every year. The reserves of natural diamonds are running out.

Hence the following classification for all diamonds:

Salt and pepper diamonds have a mix of black and gray inclusions that resemble salt, and white or colorless inclusions that resemble pepper.

The value of salt and pepper diamonds can vary depending on several factors, including carat weight, cut quality, clarity, color saturation, and overall aesthetic appeal.

These diamonds are generally more affordable compared to traditional white or colorless diamonds.

While some people may prefer the distinct and rustic charm of salt and pepper diamonds, it’s important to note that their value is subjective and ultimately determined by individual preferences and market demand.

Salt and Pepper Diamonds

More information about diamonds

Any questions left?

Donec vitae sapien libero venena faucibus quis anteetiam netus ipsum malesuada fames turpis egestas. In dui magna, posuere eget, vestibulum et tempor auctor, malesuada sit.

Show FAQ