What is the best diamond clarity? That would depend on the number of inclusions. The clarity of a diamond affects how valuable it is. Diamonds with very high value have little inclusions.
But how do you grade clarity? It is important to know the different levels of clarity and which is the best. This is what I am going to explain in this guide.
What Does Diamond Clarity Mean?
Diamond clarity is the clearness of a diamond based on a scale that ranges from Flawless to Included. It is how clean and clear a diamond is when viewed with the naked eye or under magnification.
This scale checks the number of inclusions in a diamond, as well as their locations in it. Inclusions, which are flaws or characteristics that are internal or external, occur during the diamond’s natural formation. Most are too tiny to be seen without magnification.
Best Diamond Clarity
There are 11 levels on the clarity grading scale. And the best diamond clarity is F which stands for Flawless. When a diamond has Flawless clarity, it means it has no blemishes or inclusions, even under 10x magnification.
It is rare to find a diamond with this type of clarity. And if you do, it is going to be too expensive.
Here is a chart showing different levels of diamond clarity, from the best to the least:
| Flawless
(F) |
Internally Flawless
(IF) |
VVS1 | VVS2 | VS1 | VS2 | S1 | S2 | I1 | I2 | I3 |
- VVS – Very Very Slightly Included
- VS – Very Slightly Included
- S – Slightly Included
- I – Included
This scale is that of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It is a world-renowned institute in the field of gems and jewelry, including diamonds.
Because of the time, depth, heat, and process involved in the formation of a diamond, it is rare to see one that comes out without any blemish or inclusion. In other words, most diamonds on the market have some level of inclusions.
- Flawless Clarity – A diamond is said to be flawless when it shows no blemish or inclusion even under magnification.
- Internally Flawless – An internally flawless diamond has a little blemish but no inclusion even under magnification.
- Very Very Slightly Included – If a diamond is ranked under very very slightly included, it means that it has inclusions but they are so tiny they can hardly be seen even under magnification.
- Very Slightly Included – The inclusions in a diamond with this level of clarity are small and can either be difficult or easy to be seen under magnification.
- Slightly Included – A diamond with this level of clarity has inclusions that are quite noticeable if a grader views it under magnification.
- Included – An included diamond has inclusions that are easily noticeable. In fact, its brilliance and transparency are compromised because of this.
This video explains the diamond clarity grading chart…
5 Factors that Affect Clarity Grade
Before a diamond’s clarity is determined, there are important factors to take into consideration. That is apart from the view of the diamond under 10x magnification.
Nature of the Inclusions
This simply means the type of inclusions present in the diamond. Not all types of inclusions affect the clarity grading of a diamond as to lower it.
This is what I mean: if the inclusions in a diamond are only surface level and are not deep in the body, they are termed blemishes. This could increase the clarity level of the diamond, even if the blemishes are not few.
Location of the Inclusions
Where are the inclusions on the diamond? This matters if the diamond is going to be graded correctly.
If the inclusions are close to the center, this would greatly affect the grade of the diamond.
And if the inclusions are close to the pavilions, they are easier to reflect. This is because the facets of the diamonds act as mirrors, making it quite easy for the inclusions to be seen.
However, if the inclusions are close to the diamond’s girdle, then they are a lot more difficult to be seen. This is because they are far from the center of the diamond so are easily hidden.
In addition, if you look past the diamond’s culet and are able to see the inclusions, the clarity grade of the diamond wouldn’t be impacted so much.
Nevertheless, some features of the diamond’s clarity may either be obvious or hidden, depending on the gemstone’s facet arrangement, proportion and shape.
Size of the Inclusions
Size plays a huge role in grading diamonds. The bigger the size of the inclusions, the easier it is for the naked eye to see them. And the more obvious they are, the lower the clarity grade of the diamond drops.
In the same vein, if the inclusions are too small to be easily seen, the clarity grade of the diamond improves.
Relief of the Inclusions
If the inclusions in a diamond are quite clear or obvious when contrasted with the gemstone, the grading plummets. This is because the increased relief means darker inclusions, which affect the transparency or brilliance of the stone.
Number of Inclusions
Of course, this plays a huge role. The higher the number of inclusions, the darker the stone would be. As a result, it won’t be clear, lowering its grade on the clarity scale.
Consider a black diamond. It is no different from a colorless diamond except for the number of inclusions. They are so much that they completely change the color of the gemstone.
Best Diamond Clarity: Inclusion Types
Not all inclusions rank equally. Some are readily obvious while others are not. For example, if inclusions are almost clear, they are not so visible even under magnification. This affects how the diamond in which they feature is graded for clarity.
So while looking for the best diamond clarity, consider a few of the types of inclusions:
Feather Inclusions
This type of inclusion is usually a tiny crack inside the body of the diamond. These inclusions are not very obvious, and this is especially affected by the angle from which they are viewed.
In other words, they don’t mar the appearance or brilliance of a diamond that much. In fact, you can overlook them since they are not readily visible.
Cloud Inclusions
This type is usually a group of really tiny pinpoints. When they cluster together, they form a big flaw in the diamond.
Consequently, the brilliance of the diamond is negatively affected. And if these clusters or clouds appear in multiple locations within the diamond, the stone becomes too dull.
Cavity Inclusions
This type of inclusion could have some color or appear colorless. This totally depends on the type of minerals included.
If the inclusions have some color, the cavities would become more obvious. And the more obvious the inclusions are, the lower the clarity grading of the diamond.
Graining
Crystal growth that is irregular can cause some graining inside the diamond. The graining can be colored or colorless. It can also look like reflective lines. But in all, graining makes the diamond look dull or hazy.
Go for Eye-Clean Diamonds
The best diamond clarity for you does not have to cost an arm and a leg. You can opt for a diamond that is as eye-clean as possible yet affordable.
You see, if you choose a diamond with an IF clarity grade, it is going to be expensive. But when you place it side by side with a diamond with VVS 2 clarity grade, of the same carat weight, cut, and color, you won’t be able to tell the difference in clarity. The only difference would be the price.
Nobody is going to look at your diamond ring or jewelry with a loupe. So the eye-cleanliness of a diamond is important.
Consider the Shape
The best diamond clarity also rests heavily on the shape or cut of the stone. But also remember that the bigger the diamond, the easier it is for you to see the inclusions.
- An SI1 or VS2 clarity grade works well for a round-cut diamond below 1 carat. But a VS2 or VS1 clarity grade works best for one that is 1 carat or higher.
- A diamond cut in the shape of a heart hides inclusions much better than one with a round cut. So go for a clarity grade of SI1 or VS Anything higher would simply be a waste of money.
- Fancy cuts such as radiant, pear, princess, marquise, cushion, or oval hide inclusions best. An S1 or S2 clarity works great for a diamond with any of these cuts.
- And a diamond with a step cut such as Asscher or emerald exposes inclusions. Therefore, a high clarity grade such as VS2 is best.
Conclusion
What is the best diamond clarity? The answer is not so straightforward. This is because, on a scale, Flawless is the best. But there are few variables to consider before settling for this:
- Nature
- Location
- Size
- Number
- Relief
These make or mar your choice of the best diamond clarity, especially if you are working with a budget.
There is also eye-cleanness and shape to consider. When you put all these together, however, you will be better equipped to make the best choice.
Ask your questions in the comments section if you need further guidance.
