Clarity: Are there Imperfections

When selecting a diamond for an engagement ring, clarity is one of the key factors to consider. Clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond.

What Are Inclusions and Blemishes?

Inclusions are internal characteristics within a diamond, such as tiny crystals, feathers, or clouds. Blemishes are external characteristics on the surface of a diamond, such as scratches, pits, or nicks. Most diamonds have some degree of inclusions and blemishes, as they are natural products formed under extreme conditions.

The size, number, position, and visibility of these characteristics determine a diamond's clarity grade. Diamonds with fewer and less noticeable inclusions and blemishes are rarer and more valuable.

Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond clarity on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3):

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification.
• Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but minor blemishes may be present.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Inclusions are minor and may be seen under 10x magnification, but are not visible to the naked eye.
• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye.
• Included (I1, I2, I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and are visible to the naked eye, potentially affecting transparency and brilliance.

My Personal Opinion

I don't understand why anyone buys diamonds higher than VS2, the lowest clarity level where imperfections aren't visible to the naked eye. Higher clarity levels have no impact on the diamond's appearance, but are much more expensive. Save that money and repurpose it for carat, cut, or color.

Conversely, below the VS2 rating, imperfections might be visible to the naked eye. Some SI and I diamonds might look totally fine to you, while others might not be acceptable. At these levels, I recommend seeing the diamond in person (or at least very high quality images) before purchasing. There are good deals to be found here, but make sure you know what you're getting.