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Understanding Diamond Clarity: A Guide by Stienhardt & Stones

At Stienhardt & Stones, we understand that each diamond has a story to tell, and how well it is told depends on several factors, one of them being clarity. The clarity of a diamond enhances its beauty and its price as well so it is a factor worth considering while selecting your ideal stone.
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What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is the degree to which the diamond is free from or clear of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are characteristics found inside any given stone while blemishes are imperfections found outside the stone. Such features are natural and generally happen while the diamond is being formed, and they are often microscopic.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides a scale of diamond clarity that allows customers to know the standard of the diamond that they are buying. It includes;

  • FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye, even at 10x magnification.

  • IF (Internally Flawless): Free of internal inclusions, but with surface blemishes only.

  • VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): So well concealed that even at 10x difficulty can detect these inclusions.

  • VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions visible at 10x magnification but not to the naked eye.

  • SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions visible at 10x magnification and may be seen without magnification in some examples.

  • I1, I2, I3 (Included): Inclusions easily visible to the eye and affect beauty.
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Why is Diamond Clarity Important?

Clarity contributes to the beauty and light performance of a diamond. With less inclusions and blemishes more light is able to pass through that diamond resulting in greater brilliance. But some from some point of view inclusions are so tiny that they have no effect on the aesthetics of the diamond hence clarity is subjective and depends on value.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Clarity

1. Look for Eye-Clean Diamonds
An eye-clean diamond, which may possess a lower clarity grade than she has no visible inclusions on the diamond under natural light without any magnification. Consider this for instance:
  • Diamonds grading VS1-VS2 often are perceived to be flawless without the cost of higher grade diamonds.

  • Dollars SI1 diamond range represents hard to find purchase value due to visible inclusions yet are relatively full of beauty.
2. Consider the Diamond's Size
A larger diamond may be given a lower grading of clarity but inclusion would still be more apparent in a diamond that is larger in size.
3. Match the Clarity to the Cut
Brilliant round and princess cuts cluster hiding more inclusion than in step cuts like emerald and Asscher with large, accessible facets.

Explore Diamond Clarity at Stienhardt & Stones

At Stienhardt & Stones, we pride ourselves on assessing every diamond’s clarity only where needed. Diamond experts here will assist you to find a suitable diamond based on how clear, beautiful and cheap the diamond comes.

Whether you admire the flawless complexion of a diamond or appreciate the distinctive beauty of a stone with slight inclusions, we have something for everyone.

Find your dream diamond now. Visit our website or reach us to assist you in picking the right clarity for you from our trust clarity range.
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FAQ

Uncover how to select the ideal clarity grade, understand "eye-clean" diamonds, and assess the impact of inclusions on sparkle and value before purchase.

  • Tiffany clarity it appears is non-dependent on any external factors. FL pristine and IF immaculate fit gemstones that seek out rarity or flaws.

  • VVS1-VS2 range provides high level gems for less and has an ability to include imperfections that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

  • SI1-SI2 range is perfect for those who are cost sensitive but still in need of clean stones.

This means it is free from inclusions visible without the aid of a jeweler’s loupe, however, inclusions may be present if the diamond is magnified. Most diamonds with this clarity VS2 and SI1 are usually eye clean.

Yes, but to a lesser extent, cut. The weight and position of large noticeable flaws can cause distortion of light and thus cause minimal sparkle. However most of the time the effect of clarity on shine is less than that of the cut of the diamond.

VVS: Very very slight inclusion: inclusions are so tiny that they can hardly be seen even by a ten magnification lens. VVS inclusions. VS: very slightly included: larger inclusions present but not visible to the naked eye.

Inclusion presence is situation-dependent.
  • SI1 diamonds are generally clean with the eye and free from flaws which some will have flaws visible with the eye.

  • SI2 inclusions are likely to be present and noticeable especially in larger sized stones.

Not really.
  • Cut is the most important factor that determines the diamond's brilliance.

  • Clarity and color can depend on your preference or pocket especially buy eye clean diamonds.

No inclusions are formed naturally, and thus formed while a diamond was being created. Most inclusions are considered non-detrimental because they are too tiny to affect the beauty or endurance of the diamond.

In general, yes. As the quality of the diamonds increases in size, the blemishes become more apparent and so there is a need for a higher clarity grade to keep it clean to the eyes.

No, reviewed diamonds classified as VS2 and above have almost all their inclusions hidden without help. With the exception of some SI1 diamonds, the majority of them look absolutely clean from naked eyesight.

You will! At Stienhardt & Stones, you will find dozens of images with detailed close-up and videos of our diamonds with their clarity and inclusions presentation before you make your choice.