About Diamonds - Diamond Clarity
Diamond Clarity Explained
Most diamonds have natural identifying characteristics referred to as inclusions. Clarity describes the presence or absence of inclusions within the diamond. The less inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
It should be noted that many inclusions cannot be seen cannot by the naked eye. It is not possible, without the aid of a 10x microscope, to see the difference between an IF (internally flawless) diamond and a VS2 diamond but it is possible to see the inclusions in an SI2 quality diamond if you look carefully with the naked eye.
Clarity Grades
- FL No internal or external inclusions of any kind are visible under 10 x magnification.
- IF No internal inclusions are visible under 10x magnification but there may be some tiny external irregularities in the finish.
- VVS-1 Tiny inclusions visible under 10x magnification, which even a professional will have difficulty seeing.
- VVS-2 Same as VVS1 but the inclusions will be slightly more visible.
- VS-1 Very small inclusions are visible with 10 x magnification to a professional. Most customers will struggle to see them.
- VS-2 Most customers will be able to see small inclusions under 10 x magnification; inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
- SIs Small inclusions are more easily visible with 10x magnification, but still should not normally be visible to the naked eye.
- SI-2 Small inclusions may be visible to the naked eye.
- I1 (P1) Inclusions that are eye visible.
- I2, I3 (P2, P3) Obvious inclusions.
