Out of the ‘4 C’s’ to consider when buying a diamond, clarity is often the most difficult to understand. Contradictory to its name, you will not be able to distinguish clarity with the naked eye and will need to consult an expert.
Here is everything you need to know about clarity and what diamond clarity is best.
What Is Diamond Clarity
Clarity is a grade on a scale that measure the number and location of inclusions on a diamond. An inclusion is any internal or external imperfection that develops on a diamond while it is created.
Most inclusions on a diamond are impossible to see with the naked eye and can only be identified by trained professionals. Diamonds with no inclusions are extremely rare and valuable.
Diamond Clarity Chart
A diamond clarity chart is a scale on which the diamond is graded. It ranges from flawless to included. The lower the clarity grade, the lower the value of the diamond.
Flawless (FL)
This is the best diamond clarity. For a diamond to achieve flawless clarity, a gemologist cannot find any inclusions under a 10x magnifying glass. These are the most rare diamonds and, therefore, the most valuable.
Internally Flawless (IF)
As in the name, IF diamonds have no internal inclusions. They may have minor imperfections on their surface that are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification, called blemishes.
Very Very Slightly Included
For a diamond to score very, very slightly included, there must be internal and external inclusions. These inclusions are extremely hard to identify, even under 10x magnification.
Very Slightly Included
Similar to very very slightly included diamonds, very slightly included diamonds have minor inclusions both internally and externally. The major difference is that these inclusions are only just difficult to locate under 10x magnification instead of extremely difficult to identify.
Slightly Included
Even without 10x magnification, you can identify that the diamond has inclusions. These inclusions are even noticeable to the naked eye.
Included
This is the lowest grade on the scale. Included have very noticeable inclusions to the naked eye. These inclusions can also impact other aspects of the diamond, such as brilliance.
Conclusion
Flawless diamonds are the highest-clarity diamonds you can buy. While most diamonds have inclusions, a flawless diamond will have none making them the most valuable.
Clarity is a critical component of a diamond’s shine and brilliance. If that is what you consider to be the most important aspect of a diamond, you will want to purchase a stone as close to flawless as you can find.