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  Clarity

Clarity is an indication of a diamond’s purity.  In all diamonds, except the most rare, tiny traces of minerals, gasses, or other elements were trapped inside during the crystallization process.  These are called inclusions, but are more like birthmarks.  They may look like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers and they are what make each diamond different and unique.

These inclusions, as defined by the GIA are “characteristics”, which are entirely inside a stone or extend into it from the surface.  This includes: small diamond particles present within the diamond (mineral crystals); feathers and/or breaks; carbon deposits; air bubbles; clouds; laser drill holes left by man’s attempts to remove or lighten other natural inclusions.  Blemishes, as defined by GIA, are “characteristics confined to or primarily affecting the surface.”  These may include scratches, small nicks, and chips.  A diamond free of inclusions and blemishes is very rare, and thus more valuable.  Therefore, the clearer the diamond, the more it costs.
 

GIA diamond clarity scale, as viewed under 10X magnification:

Internally Flawless (IF) - free from all internal imperfections (inclusions) but may possess minor surface blemishes that does not penetrate the diamond (less than 1% of diamonds are Internally Flawless).

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) - contain minute inclusions so small or insignificant that they are difficult to locate under magnification.

Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) - minor inclusions of a size, number and location somewhat normally visible under magnification.  Rarely visible to the unaided eye.

Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) - very visible under magnification.  Minor or very small inclusions normally invisible to the unaided eye.  Exceptions to this rule can occur in emerald cuts or shallow diamonds.

Imperfect 1, 2, 3 (I1, I2, I3) -obvious inclusions when viewed under magnification and are visible to the unaided eye.

Diamonds with imperfections visible to the unaided eye are normally graded below SI2.  Above this range, you need a 10 power (10X) magnification to see the imperfections.  Diamonds graded I2 and I3 have enough imperfections to block the clear passage of light into the gems, thus reducing the brilliance and sparkle.  Diamonds are not defective, however, if they have inclusions.  Inclusions are normal characteristics and all diamonds have inclusions, even those graded flawless (F), when viewed under 20 – 30X magnification.

Acceptable: all clarity grades SI2 and above.

Exception: Diamond stud earrings are often bought with size a more important factor than clarity.  Providing the inclusions are not too obvious or the diamonds dull to the presence of inclusions, you can accept SI3 or I1 clarity grades for stud earrings (in fact this is the most common clarity grade for diamond stud earrings).
 

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