Diamond Clarity

Key Points
Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of impurities, blemishes or other identifying characteristics either internally or externally on the diamond.
The clarity grading on your diamond certificate precisely identifies and quantifies the inclusions.
The gemmologists certifies the diamonds clarity on the number, location, type and color of the inclusions.
Clarity affects the diamonds beauty and price significantly.
It is important that you pay close attention to the clarity of the diamond you select.
Diamonds with a clarity of below Slightly Included 2 (SI2) are not eye clean.
Medium to Upper (SI1 and VS2) clarities offer the best value.
Diamond Clarity using 10× Magnification
FL IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I3
Diamond Clarity Details
FL, IF No internal or external flaws (FL). Internally Flawless (IF). No inclusions and only minor blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification. Extremely rare and valuable.
VVS1, VVS2 Very very slightly included, levels 1 and 2. Very difficult for a trained gemologist to locate under 10x magnification. Characteristics referred to as minute. VVS2 slightly more inclusions than VVS1. VVS diamonds are excellent quality, very rare and beautiful.
VS1, VS2 Very slightly included, levels 1 and 2. Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification, unless pointed out by a trained professional. Typically can not see inclusions with the naked eye. Characteristics referred to as minor. VS2 slightly more inclusions than VS1.
SI1 Slightly included level 1. Inclusions are potentially identifiable under 10x magnification, but are rarely visible with the unaided eye. Characteristics referred to as noticeable when the diamond is looked from underneath.
SI2 Slightly included level 2. Inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification to an experienced gemologist and may be visible with the unaided eye. SI2 offers great value for those who wish to maximize the diamonds size.
I1, I2, I3 Included level 1, 2 and 3. Guthries does not offer included diamonds. Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance.

Selecting the Best Clarity
Clarity affects the diamonds beauty and price significantly. It is important that you pay close attention to the clarity of the diamond you select. A diamond's clarity has two distinct levels, these are an eye clean clarity and a non eye clean clarity. The clarity Slightly Included 2 (SI2) is where a diamond starts to become non eye clean so this is the lowest recommended clarity. Diamonds below SI2 clarity are significantly lower priced but will have clearly visible inclusions and blemishes.
If quality is your most important criteria a very high clarity is recommended (VVS1 or VVS2) but you will need to reduce the size of the diamond significantly to stay within your budget.
If size is your most important criteria a medium clarity is recommended (S11 or SI2). This will enable you to increase size of the diamond significantly and stay within your budget. If balancing size and quality is your most important criteria a high clarity is recommended (VS1 or VS2). You will be trading some size but the diamond will be very beautiful and within your budget.

Also See
Diamond Education
Diamond Selection

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