Diamonds: What is Clarity

Diamonds: What is Diamond Clarity

A diamond's clarity is determined by the inclusions found in and outside a diamond. The price of a diamond will be higher if it has few inclusions. Foreign material, another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections such as scratches or cracks that appear cloudy or whitish are what are called inclusions. In addition, carbon affects clarity by creating tiny black dots, though magnification may be needed to see them. Most inclusions do not undermine a diamond's structural integrity or its beauty. Some inclusions, however, can interfere with a diamond's ability to reflect light.

How is Diamond Clarity Determined?

To set a standard for clarity, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and other organizations developed a system to grade clarity based on 10x magnification as well as a trained eye. Clarity is graded from Flawless to Imperfect with the scale below:

· Flawless: No internal or external flaws

· Internally Flawless: No internal flaws

· VVS1 and VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification

· VS1 and VS2: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not usually visible to the unaided eye

· SI1 and SI2: Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye

· I1,I2 and 13: Included: Eye-visible inclusions

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