Diamond Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence (or lack) of flaws in the diamond.

A flawless diamond is so rare and valuable.

A diamond with flaws that are visible to the naked eye is far less valuable. Some jewelers regard such visibly flawed diamonds as not good enough for jewellery.

Flawless

These are the rarest and most valuable clarity grades amount.

Such diamonds have no inclusions and no blemishes.

These are way to valuable to wear. Lock them up in a safe for investment purposes.

Internally Flawless diamonds

These may have slight surface flaws when viewed under 10X magnification, but are totally free of inclusions. There are no flaws within the diamond when seen under the 10X loupe.

Like the flawless diamonds, these are very rare and valuable. Not something you'd wear in jewelry.

Very Very Slightly Included diamonds

VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds have tiny flaws that can only be seen under 10X magnification. Still very valuable and more for investment purposes. These diamonds are very expensive.

Of the two, VVS1 is the higher grade.

Very Slightly Included diamonds

These are great for jewelry. To the naked eye, these diamonds still look perfect. You cannot see any flaws in them. The flaws can be seen through a 10X loupe though. There are no black spots (carbon), fractures or breaks in them.

These are the VS1 and VS2 grades.

Slightly Included diamonds

SI1 and SI2 diamonds still look perfect (almost) to the naked eye. Under the 10X loupe however, you can see the flaws, which may include black spots (carbon) breaks and fractures.

SI1 is still eye clean.

SI2 diamonds may have visible flaws that can be seen by the naked eye.

Imperfect diamonds

Diamonds that are graded as I1, I2 or I3 are imperfect diamonds. Also regarded by some as commercial grade diamonds.

The flaws in these diamonds can be seen by the naked eye.I1 still looks ok in jewelry.

I2 diamonds may have enough of these flaws that may make the diamond look lifeless.

I3 diamonds hardly sparkle.

Which diamonds to buy?

For investment purposes, Flawless diamonds, internally flawless, VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are ideal.

For jewelry, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2 and maybe I1 would do fine.