The Diamond's Clarity

Diamonds have internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Together, they’re called clarity characteristics. Clarity is the relative absence of clarity characteristics. Blemishes include scratches and nicks on a diamond’s surface. Inclusions are on the inside (some might break the surface of the stone, but they are still considered inclusions). Sometimes, tiny diamond or other mineral crystals are trapped inside a diamond when it forms. Depending on where they’re located, they might still be there after the stone has been cut and polished.

Like the rest of the Four Cs, clarity’s influence on value is directly related to the concept of rarity. Flawless diamonds are very rare—so rare, in fact, that it’s possible to spend a lifetime in the jewelry industry without ever seeing one. As you might imagine, they command top prices.

At the other end of the scale are diamonds with inclusions that can easily be seen by the unaided eye. Between the two extremes are diamonds with inclusions visible only under 10X magnification. Some are difficult to see even then; others relatively easy. Stones in the middle range make up the bulk of the retail market.

(FL) - Flawless Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification when observed by an experienced grader.
(IF) - Internally Flawless Hs no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10X magnification, but will have some minor blemishes.
(VVS1) - Very slightly Included Contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds, or feathers wehn observed with effort under 10X magnification.
(VVS2) - Very slightly Included Contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds, or feathers wehn observed with effort under 10X magnification.
(SI1 and SI2) - Slightly Included Contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10x magnification.
(I1, I2, I3) - Included Contains inclusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10X magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.