CLARITY

Pure diamonds are extremely rare. Almost all rough diamonds contain impurities or “Inclusions” which are traces on non-diamond material that were “trapped” in the mineral during the stone’s formation. Many inclusions are removed during the cleaving, sawing, cutting and polishing of the diamond

The fewer inclusions or structure phenomena the stone displays, the higher the quality of the diamond.

A diamond is “loupe clean” or “internally flawless” (LC/IF), if after examination by an expert grader with a 10 x magnification loupe under normal light conditions, is absent of internal characteristics.

FL- Flawless
Clear stone, free of all flaws, even under 10x magnification. This is the best and most expensive clarity grade.

IF – Internally Flawless
There are no internal inclusions visible under a10x magnification. There is a minor external imperfection in the finish.

VVS-1 – Very Very Slight Inclusion 1
Tiny inclusions are extremely difficult to find, even under 10x magnification
Usually just one tiny inclusion.

VVS-2 – Very Very Slight Inclusion 2
Tiny inclusions, only visible under a x10 magnifying glass to the trained eye.

VS-1 – Very Slight Inclusion 1
Very tiny inclusions, visible only with 10x magnification.

VS-2 – Very Slight Inclusion 2.
Minor inclusions are somewhat difficult to find.

SI-1 – Slight Inclusions 1.
Small inclusions, visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are considered “eye clean” since inclusions can not been seen with the naked eye.

SI-2 – Slight Inclusions 2.
Inclusions and/or blemishes are easy to see at 10x magnification. These diamonds are considered “eye clean” since inclusions can not been seen with the naked eye.

SI-3 – Slight Inclusions 3.
Inclusions that may be visible to a trained observer’s naked eye.

P-1 – Included 1 – We do not offer these diamonds
Inclusions and/or blemishes that are visible to the naked eye.

P-2 – Included 2 – We do not offer these diamonds
Inclusions and/or blemishes that are clearly visible to the naked eye and that have an effect on the brilliance.

P-3- Included 3 – We do not offer these diamonds
Inclusions and/or blemishes , clearly visible to the naked eye. The brilliance is decreased and the structure of the diamond is compromised.

CLARITY IN COMMERCIAL JEWELRY

Most diamonds used in fine commercial jewelry fall within the VS to SI range:

VS1 and VS2 diamonds are a popular choice for high-end settings, offering near-flawless appearance to the naked eye with excellent value.
SI1 is widely used in engagement rings and offers a clean look without the premium of higher grades.
SI2 may include visible inclusions, but with a well-cut stone and thoughtful setting, it can still appear attractive—especially in smaller sizes.

Diamonds graded VVS and IF are rarer and command higher prices. While desirable, they are less common in mass-market collections due to limited availability and cost. On the other end, I1–I3 clarity grades are generally used in more affordable jewelry or in designs where clarity is not the focus.

It’s important to understand that the quality of a diamond’s clarity is not determined solely by the size of its inclusions. The position, contrast (light vs. dark), and type of inclusion all play a crucial role in how much they affect the diamond’s visual appeal. For example, a small dark inclusion located directly under the table can be more visible and disruptive to brilliance than a larger white inclusion near the edge, which may be easily hidden by a prong. Even if two diamonds share the same clarity grade—such as SI1—the actual impact on beauty and value can differ significantly. This is why it’s essential to evaluate each diamond individually, rather than relying on the clarity grade alone.

How Clarity Affects a Diamond’s Light Performance

Diamonds with fewer and less prominent inclusions exhibit improved light performance, as inclusions can disrupt the path of light through the stone. In a well-cut diamond, light enters through the crown, reflects off the pavilion facets, and returns to the eye as brilliance and fire. Inclusions—especially those located under the table or near the culet—can scatter or absorb light, reducing internal reflection and diminishing optical transparency. Furthermore, inclusions with high contrast (e.g., dark crystals) are more easily detected by the eye and can negatively impact the diamond’s visual clarity and symmetry. As a result, diamonds with minimal, well-positioned inclusions tend to have greater perceived brightness, scintillation, and overall face-up appeal.

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