Ever gazed upon a dazzling diamond and wondered what truly makes it sparkle with such unique brilliance? When it comes to diamonds, clarity matters the most. It’s what makes one diamond more brilliant than another. But navigating the diamond clarity chart can feel like decoding a secret language sometimes. 

As a leading diamond jewellery manufacturer, Dew Diamonds has seen thousands of stones pass through our hands, so we can help you understand the fascinating world of diamond clarity. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the 4 Cs that’s often overlooked but is incredibly important: Diamond Clarity.

What is a Diamond Clarity Scale? What Do Clarity Grades Mean?

A diamond clarity scale tells you how pure the diamond is, inside and out. Every natural diamond, born from the immense heat and pressure of Earth, has some tiny marks called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). The diamond clarity scale is used by gemologists to describe how clean a diamond appears.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale is the industry standard, grading diamonds from Flawless to Included. Here’s a quick rundown of the diamond clarity grade definitions:

• Flawless (FL): The best of the kind! These diamonds have absolutely no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Less than 1% of diamonds fall into this ultra-rare category.
• Internally Flawless (IF): Almost perfect! No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, though a tiny surface blemish might be spotted under a microscope.
• Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2): Inclusions are so minute, even a skilled grader struggles to see them under 10x magnification. They’re like tiny secrets only a professional can uncover!
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Inclusions are minor and observed with effort under 10x magnification. These are fantastic choices for an eye-clean look without the top-tier price tag.
• Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2): Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible to the unaided eye, especially in SI2 grades. With careful selection, many SI diamonds can still appear beautifully eye-clean!
• Included (I1, I2 & I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and are often visible to the naked eye, potentially affecting the diamond’s transparency and brilliance. 

Clarity grades aren’t just arbitrary labels. Each grade represents a specific range of characteristics that affect how light travels through the stone.

Diamond Grading Scale Factors

When a professional gemologist assigns a diamond clarity grade, they don’t just count the imperfections. They also carefully evaluate each characteristic based on five key factors:

• Size: The larger the inclusion, the more impact it has on the grade. Tiny specks? No stress.
• Nature: What type of inclusion or blemish is it? Is it a tiny crystal, a feather, or a pinpoint? Some are harmless, while others may affect durability.
• Number: Generally, more inclusions mean a lower grade, especially if they are clustered in one area.
• Location: Where are the imperfections located? An inclusion directly under the top “table” facet of the diamond will be much more noticeable than one near the girdle (edge).
• Relief: This refers to the contrast of the inclusion against the diamond itself. Is it dark and obvious, or light and subtle? How visible is the inclusion?

Clarity Features in Diamonds: Identifying Inclusions and Surface Blemishes

It’s helpful to distinguish between internal and external characteristics. 

Internal Inclusions:

These are natural features that formed within the diamond during its creation deep within the Earth. Common types include:  

• Crystals: Tiny minerals trapped during the diamond’s growth.
• Feathers: Internal fractures that look like delicate white lines.
• Pinpoints: Microscopic crystals that appear as tiny dots.
• Clouds: Groups of pinpoints that create a hazy appearance.
• Needles: Long, thin inclusions that resemble tiny threads.

Surface Blemishes:

These occur on the surface of the diamond and are often a result of the cutting, setting, or wearing process. Examples include: 

• Polish Lines: Fine lines left by the polishing process.
• Scratches: Minor surface abrasions
• Pits: Tiny holes on the diamond’s surface
• Chips: Small pieces broken from the diamond’s surface.

Diamond Clarity Tips from Dew Diamonds

Choosing diamond jewellery is an exciting journey. After years in the diamond industry, here are our insider tips for getting the best value.

When it comes to clarity, our top tip is to focus on “eye-cleanliness” over a technical grade number. Many imperfections that affect a diamond’s clarity grade are simply not visible to the naked eye. If you can’t see an inclusion without magnification, it probably won’t bother you in daily wear. So, there’s absolutely no need to pay extra for perfection you’ll never notice.

An FL diamond might technically be flawless, but a VS1 or VS2 diamond that appears eye-clean will look just as stunning as you and anyone admiring your jewellery, often at a much more comfortable price point.

For engagement rings and everyday wear, we often recommend starting your search in the VS2 to SI1 clarity range. These diamonds frequently offer the perfect balance of an eye-clean appearance and excellent value. For larger diamonds, you might want to consider a slightly higher clarity grade, as inclusions can become more noticeable in bigger stones.

If you’re choosing a diamond for a vintage-style setting with lots of metalwork, you can often go with a lower clarity grade since the setting will hide minor imperfections.

Also, we recommend a well-cut diamond. A well-cut diamond can actually mask inclusions better than a poorly cut one, even if the poorly cut diamond has higher clarity. At Dew Diamonds, we only select diamonds that meet both the scientific and aesthetic criteria.

How Important Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity is undoubtedly one of the important 4Cs that determine a diamond’s overall quality and value. It plays a significant role in a diamond’s beauty and brilliance. However, its role can also be subjective and depends on your personal preferences and budgets.

A flawless diamond isn’t always the most beautiful or budget-friendly. Most people can’t spot inclusions without magnification. That’s why we recommend focusing on how the diamond looks in real life. 

While a higher clarity grade generally means a more expensive diamond, considering all other factors being equal, compromising slightly on clarity in favour of a better cut or a larger carat weight can give you a more visually appealing diamond that still looks flawless to the naked eye. It’s all about finding that perfect balance for you.

Here are some situations when clarity matters:

• Large diamonds (2+ carats), where inclusions become more visible.
• Step cuts like emerald or asscher cuts that have large, open facets.
• Investment pieces where rarity and perfection are priorities.
• If you simply love knowing your diamond is pristine.

Choose Clarity That Speaks Your Style with Dew Diamonds

Understanding diamond clarity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Dew Diamonds, we believe every diamond tells a story. Whether you’re going for subtle sparkle or bold brilliance, the most important thing is choosing the stone that speaks to you. 

The most beautiful diamond is the one that makes you feel special, and now you have the expertise to find exactly that! Come, visit us, and let’s find your perfect sparkle!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which diamond clarity is the best?

The best diamond clarity grade is flawless, with zero blemishes or inclusions. But they are incredibly rare and pricey.

2. Which grade is the best diamond?

Flawless (FL) tops the chart. But Internally Flawless (IF) or even Very Very Slightly Included (VVSI) diamonds look almost identical to the naked eye, and they come with a friendlier price tag.

3. What is the purest type of diamond?

Type Ila diamonds are a rare type of diamond that are the most chemically pure, almost completely free from nitrogen, resulting in unbelievable transparency and brilliance.