When it comes to choosing a diamond, clarity is one of the most important factors to consider, especially when investing in luxury or wedding jewellery. As one of the famed 4 Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat), clarity refers to the purity of a diamond and plays a key role in its overall beauty, rarity, and value. For those seeking timeless elegance and exceptional quality, understanding diamond clarity is essential. Whether you’re purchasing a bespoke engagement ring or a statement necklace, understanding diamond clarity can help ensure you’re investing wisely.
What is diamond clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal and external imperfections. These imperfections are known as inclusions (inside the diamond) and blemishes (on the surface) and develop during formation, either naturally under the Earth’s pressure and heat, during the lab-growing process, or during subsequent cutting, polishing, and wear. A diamond’s clarity grade, ranging from Flawless to Included, indicates how noticeable these imperfections are under 10x magnification, though many are invisible to the naked eye.
What are diamond blemishes?
Diamond blemishes are surface imperfections found on the exterior of a diamond. These imperfections can occur naturally or as a result of cutting and polishing. Blemishes are generally less significant than inclusions, but they can still impact a diamond’s appearance and value. Blemishes may include signs of a scratch, nick, chip, pit, abrasion and polish lines.
What are diamond inclusions?
Diamond inclusions are natural flaws found within a diamond. They can appear black, grey, or white in appearance.
Inclusions are created naturally due to extreme heat and pressure within the Earth’s mantle during diamond formation. Diamonds can take between one to three billion years to grow within the Earth, so the chances of finding a perfect one are low, which is why flawless diamonds are rare and valuable. Inclusions are typically more significant than blemishes because they can affect the diamond’s clarity, brilliance, and overall quality. Types of diamond inclusions include feather, cloud, crystal, pinpoint, graining, needle, knot and cavity.
How to measure diamond clarity
Diamond clarity is measured by assessing imperfections under 10x magnification, which is the standard for grading diamond clarity. Several factors are taken into consideration when assessing diamond clarity, such as:
- Size: how big the imperfections are
- Number: the quantity of imperfections
- Position: where the imperfections can be found
- Nature: the type of imperfection (e.g. feather or cloud)
- Relief: the contrast between the imperfect and diamond
While some inclusions are so small they have no visible impact, others can affect how light passes through the stone, dulling its brilliance. Higher clarity grades typically mean better sparkle and rarity.
Flawless ( FL )
No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification when viewed face up.
Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity, as it is nearly impossible to find a diamond that is completely inclusion and blemish-free.
Internally flawless ( IF )
No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification.
Some small surface blemishes may be present under a microscope; however, internally flawless diamonds are eye clean.
Very, very slightly included ( VVS1 AND VVS2 )
Inclusions are characterised as minute and are so slight that they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are also eye clean.
Very slightly included ( VS1 and VS2 )
Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterised as minor.
Slightly included ( SI1 and SI2 )
Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification. Some SI1 and SI2 diamonds may have inclusions that are detectable to the unaided, untrained eye, while others do not.
Included ( I1, I2, I3 )
Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance. Brilliant Earth does not carry included grade diamonds as their imperfections are typically visible to the unaided, untrained eye.
Diamond clarity is an essential factor in choosing a truly remarkable stone. While flawless diamonds are rare and prestigious, many lower clarity grades still offer stunning beauty, especially when expertly selected.
Luxury Diamond Jewellery, Handcrafted by the London Jeweller
David Morris is home to a wide selection of luxury high jewellery pieces crafted with the world’s rarest gemstones and exquisite diamonds. Offering a selection of unique collections and design concepts, David Morris’ diamond jewellery is the epitome of brilliance.
If you have a query about our diamond jewellery or would like to arrange to see a product in-store, get in touch with the team or arrange a consultation to find your perfect piece.
ARRANGE A CONSULTATION
View a David Morris diamond or visit a store to unravel one of our luxury collections
High and fine jewellery handcrafted by the London Jeweller