Clarity
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
Inclusions are natural
identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while
diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds
or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size, so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. Since, there are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, they are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant.
Clarity defined
Many of the descriptions are most applicable to round brilliants in typical jewelry sizes. (Characteristics may be more visible in large stones and fancy shapes.)
FL – No blemishes or inclusions.
Disregard – Extra facets not visible face-up; naturals confined to and neither thickening nor distorting the girdle; and internal graining which is not reflective, white, or colored and which does not affect transparency.
IF – No inclusions and only insignificant blemishes.
VVS1 and VVS2 – Minute inclusions that are difficult to see. In VVS1, they are extremely difficult to see, visible only from the pavilion, or small and shallow enough to be removed easily by repolishing. In VVS2, inclusions are still very difficult to see.
Typical inclusions: scattered pinpoints, faint clouds, slightly bearded girdles, internal graining, and tiny feathers, chips and bruises.
VS1 and VS2 – Minor inclusions ranging from difficult to somewhat easy to see.
Typical inclusions: small included crystals and feathers, distinct clouds and groups of pinpoints.
SI1, SI2 and SI3 – Noticeable inclusions that are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see. Inclusions are often centrally located and noticed immediately; they may be eye-visible.
Typical inclusions: included crystals, clouds, feathers.
I1, I2 and I3 – Obvious inclusions that are often easily eye-visible face-up; in I3, they may threaten durability.
Typical inclusions:
large included crystals and feathers.