Diamond clarity describes the imperfections of a diamond. These include flaws inside the diamond (known as inclusions) and external characteristics (blemishes).
A gemmologist will look at a diamond under 10x magnification to determine its clarity grade. At the top of the scale is Flawless (FL), which describes a diamond with no visible inclusions or blemishes. This is considered the best clarity grade, and it’s also the most expensive. Further down the scale, the grades are often split into two – so while a VS1 and VS2 diamond might look very similar, the VS1 has fewer imperfections and is technically slightly better.
Diamond clarity chart
Diamond clarity factors
Gemmologists take a number of different factors into account when assessing a diamond for clarity:
Size
The size of any inclusions or blemishes will affect a diamond’s clarity grade, with larger inclusions typically resulting in a lower rating. However, it’s important to think about the size of the flaw in relation to the overall size of the diamond.
Number
While a large number of imperfections will generally lead to a lower clarity grade, the final rating will depend on how visible they are as opposed to the actual number.
Position
The position of a diamond’s inclusions or blemishes will greatly affect its clarity grade. For example, inclusions near the table (the top) of the diamond are generally more visible.
Nature
This describes the types of imperfections, which can be inclusions (internal) or blemishes (external). Gemmologists will also consider if they affect the diamond’s durability.
Relief
This refers to the contrast between the imperfection and the diamond itself. A dark inclusion will stand out more than a transparent one, lowering the diamond’s clarity grade.
Diamond colour vs. clarity: which is more important?
As a general rule, it’s best to prioritise colour over clarity. That’s because colourless diamonds produce more sparkle, which means that diamonds with a higher colour grading look better to the naked eye. In contrast, you have to go quite far down the clarity scale before imperfections become visible without magnification. However, it does depend on the diamond shape. Clarity is very important when you’re looking at emerald cut diamonds, which have long, open facets that reveal imperfections.
Flawless (FL) is the best clarity rating in the sense that it sits at the top of the clarity scale. As with any of the 4Cs, however, it all comes down to personal preference, the shape of the diamond, or even the design of your ring. Generally, a clarity grade of VS and above means that imperfections won’t be visible to the naked eye.
VS1 and VS2 diamonds are very similar. Both are “eye clean”, meaning that any imperfections should be invisible to the naked eye, and can only be seen with effort under 10x magnification. However, a VS1 is considered to be higher quality.
Imperfections such as blemishes or inclusions can impact the beauty and quality of a diamond. Diamond clarity grades help you understand the severity of any imperfections in a diamond, and how much they affect its overall appearance.
Flawless (FL) is the most expensive diamond clarity grade. The highest clarity grade of all, Flawless refers to a diamond that has no visible blemishes or inclusions under 10x magnification.
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What is diamond clarity?
Diamond clarity describes the imperfections of a diamond. These include flaws inside the diamond (known as inclusions) and external characteristics (blemishes).
A gemmologist will look at a diamond under 10x magnification to determine its clarity grade. At the top of the scale is Flawless (FL), which describes a diamond with no visible inclusions or blemishes. This is considered the best clarity grade, and it’s also the most expensive. Further down the scale, the grades are often split into two – so while a VS1 and VS2 diamond might look very similar, the VS1 has fewer imperfections and is technically slightly better.
Diamond clarity chart
Diamond clarity factors
Gemmologists take a number of different factors into account when assessing a diamond for clarity:
Size
The size of any inclusions or blemishes will affect a diamond’s clarity grade, with larger inclusions typically resulting in a lower rating. However, it’s important to think about the size of the flaw in relation to the overall size of the diamond.
Number
While a large number of imperfections will generally lead to a lower clarity grade, the final rating will depend on how visible they are as opposed to the actual number.
Position
The position of a diamond’s inclusions or blemishes will greatly affect its clarity grade. For example, inclusions near the table (the top) of the diamond are generally more visible.
Nature
This describes the types of imperfections, which can be inclusions (internal) or blemishes (external). Gemmologists will also consider if they affect the diamond’s durability.
Relief
This refers to the contrast between the imperfection and the diamond itself. A dark inclusion will stand out more than a transparent one, lowering the diamond’s clarity grade.
Diamond colour vs. clarity: which is more important?
As a general rule, it’s best to prioritise colour over clarity. That’s because colourless diamonds produce more sparkle, which means that diamonds with a higher colour grading look better to the naked eye. In contrast, you have to go quite far down the clarity scale before imperfections become visible without magnification. However, it does depend on the diamond shape. Clarity is very important when you’re looking at emerald cut diamonds, which have long, open facets that reveal imperfections.
FAQs
Which diamond clarity is best?
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What are diamond clarity grades?
Which diamond clarity is the most expensive?