Everything You Should Know About Diamond Clarity
A diamond with excellent clarity features minimal to no inclusions or blemishes. However, that doesn’t mean you should only seek out flawless stones. You can still find a sizable, dazzling, eye-clean diamond in lower clarity grades. At Shenkrait & Co, we prioritize sparkle, size, and budget—read on to explore inclusions, blemishes, clarity ratings, and more!
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or imperfections within a diamond. Inclusions occur when tiny particles of gas, metal, or dust become trapped inside the diamond as it forms. Blemishes, on the other hand, affect the diamond's surface.
Diamonds with prominent inclusions and blemishes are considered to have poor clarity, while those with minimal or no inclusions or blemishes are regarded as having good clarity. The size, location, and visibility of inclusions significantly influence both clarity and price.
It's crucial to understand that clarity does not affect a diamond's brilliance and sparkle. The cut of the diamond is what influences its sparkle factor, which you can read more about in our 'Cut' section.
How Does Clarity Impact Price?
Clarity can significantly affect a diamond's price, making it a key consideration for many buyers. Only the rarest and most expensive diamonds are entirely free of inclusions. Unless you’ve recently struck it rich, you’ll want to learn how to optimize clarity while keeping costs in check.
A cost-effective way to acquire diamonds with few to no inclusions is to consider lab-grown options. While lab-grown diamonds can still have inclusions, they often offer high clarity grades at more accessible price points.
Diamond Clarity Grades
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) employs a clarity scale with 11 grades to assess diamond clarity:
| Clarity Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Flawless (FL) | No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification |
| Internally Flawless (IF) | No inclusions visible under 10x magnification |
| Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) | Minor inclusions that are difficult to see even under 10x magnification |
| Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) | Small inclusions that are somewhat easy to identify under 10x magnification |
| Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) | Inclusions visible under 10x magnification |
| Included (I1, I2, I3) | Obvious inclusions that may impact brilliance and transparency |
A diamond certificate details the clarity of the diamond along with other attributes. We showcase the clarity grade for each diamond in our catalog, and terms like VVS1 or SI2 are commonly used by jewelers worldwide, so it's beneficial to understand them when shopping.
Unique Characteristics of Diamonds
No two diamonds are alike! It's essential to inspect a diamond closely before purchasing, and tools like Shenkrait & Co's 3D preview can be invaluable. Inclusions located in the diamond's table are generally more visible, and even a small inclusion can detract from your ring's overall appearance.
Remember, inclusions and blemishes may not be visible to the naked eye, often requiring a trained grader's inspection to detect. Even if a grader identifies inclusions using a loupe, what truly matters is that the stone appears eye-clean. Frequently, inclusions visible under magnification are not apparent without it.
Eye-Clean: The Clarity Grade That Counts
An 'eye-clean' diamond is one where no imperfections are discernible to the naked eye. This is the primary quality you should pursue (unless you're a professional trader). Focus your budget on size rather than clarity. Aim for at least an eye-clean rating; SI1 diamonds typically fit this criterion. To ensure you're making a good choice, use our 3D preview tool. In brilliant-cut diamonds, a clarity below SI1 may not be an issue, as their sparkle can mask inclusions and blemishes.
In contrast, for lower sparkle cuts like the Asscher, higher clarity is recommended to prevent visible imperfections. For step-cut diamonds, we advise not going below a VS clarity. If you're inclined to splurge, prioritize cut over clarity.
Prioritizing Cut Over Clarity
If the cut of the diamond is subpar, the clarity becomes irrelevant; the stone will appear dull and lackluster. Allocate most of your budget towards cut and carat size rather than clarity.
We recommend targeting eye-clean diamonds in lower clarity grades. If you choose Shenkrait & Co, reach out for advice on specific diamonds. We can help you maximize your savings by using settings that conceal minor light imperfections.
Conclusion
The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to find a high-quality diamond with impressive clarity and sparkle. Just keep the 4Cs in mind: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight. We hope this guide helps you navigate the world of diamonds and find a stunning piece!