Diamond Clarity

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Diamond Clarity — Understanding Inclusions and Grades

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (surface characteristics) in a diamond. Almost all diamonds contain some natural imperfections — they are nature's fingerprints, formed over millions of years deep within the earth. Understanding clarity helps you find a beautiful diamond at the best possible value.

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The GIA Clarity Scale

Grade	Description
FL — Flawless	No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare. Less than 1% of all diamonds.
IF — Internally Flawless	No inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Only minor surface blemishes. Extremely rare.
VVS1, VVS2 — Very Very Slightly Included	Inclusions so small they are very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. Excellent clarity.
VS1, VS2 — Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. Not visible to the naked eye. Outstanding value.
SI1, SI2 — Slightly Included	Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification. May or may not be visible to the naked eye depending on the stone. Requires expert evaluation.
I1, I2, I3 — Included	Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance. Generally not recommended.

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What Clarity Grade Should You Choose?

The key question is simple: can you see the inclusion with the naked eye? If you can't, it has no impact on the diamond's beauty.

FL and IF are extraordinarily rare and command significant premium prices. For most buyers, paying for Flawless clarity is paying for something you'll never see or notice.

VVS1 and VVS2 are beautiful grades with inclusions completely invisible to the naked eye and nearly invisible even under magnification. Excellent choice for those who want exceptional clarity without paying the Flawless premium.

VS1 and VS2 are considered the sweet spot by most diamond experts. These diamonds are eye-clean (no inclusions visible to the naked eye) and offer outstanding value. Daniel at Diamond Imports recommends VS1 and VS2 as the ideal clarity range for most buyers.

SI1 can be eye-clean in many cases — but this requires expert evaluation. The position, size, and nature of the inclusion matters enormously. An SI1 with a small feather at the edge of the stone may be completely invisible, while an SI1 with a black crystal in the centre of the table is very noticeable. Never buy an SI1 without seeing the stone or having it evaluated by an expert.

SI2 and below — inclusions are often visible to the naked eye. Generally not recommended for engagement rings.

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Types of Inclusions

Not all inclusions are equal. The type of inclusion affects how noticeable it is and whether it impacts the diamond's durability:

• Crystals — small minerals trapped inside the diamond. Dark crystals are more visible than white or colourless ones.
• Feathers — small fractures inside the stone. Usually invisible if small, but can affect durability if they reach the surface.
• Clouds — clusters of tiny pinpoints that can affect transparency in larger concentrations.
• Needles — long, thin crystals that resemble needles. Usually not very visible.
• Pinpoints — tiny white or black crystals. Very small and generally not visible.
• Graining — internal irregularities in crystal structure. Can affect transparency.

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Eye-Clean — The Most Important Test

The diamond industry uses the term "eye-clean" to describe a diamond whose inclusions are not visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance (approximately 25–30cm). For most buyers, an eye-clean diamond is the goal — anything beyond that is paying for perfection that exists only under a microscope.

At Diamond Imports, Daniel will always tell you honestly whether a diamond is eye-clean — and he'll show you exactly where any inclusions are so you can make an informed decision.

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