
11 Clarity Characteristics Most Seen in Diamond Certifications.
- 1. Bearding. The shape of a “bearding” is similar to a string of hair, it is formed in the Girdle (edge of the diamond) during the process of ...
- 2. Cavity. It is an opening that usually happens during the cutting of the diamond. It is commonly caused by the diamond cutter’s attempt to rid of a ...
- 3. Chip. A chip is a part of a diamond that has fallen off, it is commonly found in the rim or the bottom of a diamond. The main causes of a chip are ...
- 4. Cloud. This is also a commonly found flaw and is a terminology used in extensive context. It refers to the clumping of a pinpoint or a crystal.
What are diamond clarity characteristics?
These are the blemishes that reside on a diamond’s surface and the inclusions which are internal characteristics. Each clarity characteristic on a GIA diamond plotting diagram is defined by color and marking. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What are the different clarity grades?
The GIA has six clarity categories, which are then subdivided into 11 specific grades. These grades are: Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
What is didiamond clarity?
DIAMOND CLARITY. Diamond Clarity Refers to the Absence of Inclusions and Blemishes. Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth.
What does Si clarity mean?
As the GIA define an SI clarity grade as having inclusions visible under a 10x magnification, it is fair to assume that the diamond would present visible inclusions. However, in the photo on the left, we see that even under a 20x magnification, the inclusions are virtually impossible to spot.

What are clarity characteristics assessed by?
Clarity characteristics are assessed by size, number, nature, position, and color. The clarity grade reflects the visibility of clarity characteristics, plus any effect they might have on the diamond's beauty or durability.
What are the types of clarity?
How Important is Diamond Clarity?FLFlawlessIFInternally FlawlessVVS1 VVS2Very Very Slightly IncludedVS1 VS2Very Slightly IncludedSI1 SI2Slightly Included1 more row
How do you read clarity characteristics GIA?
GIA Diamond Clarity Scale:Flawless. (FL) No visible inclusions or blemishes.Internally Flawless. (IF) No inclusions are visible, but blemishes can be seen under 10x magnification.Very, Very Slightly Included. (VVS1 - VVS2) ... Very Slightly Included. (VS1 - VS2) ... Slightly Included. (SI1 - SI2) ... Included. (I1 - I3)
What does good clarity mean?
The fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the better its clarity grade will be. The clarity of a diamond can have a significant impact on its price (it's one of the most important 4 Cs). However, many imperfections that affect a diamond's clarity grade aren't visible to the naked or unaided eye.
What are the 3 types of clarity?
In my experience, I've found that there are three kinds of clarity high-performing teams have: clarity of purpose, clarity of plan, and clarity of responsibility. Here's why each is important and some concrete steps to achieve them.
What are the three kinds of clarity that are essential for good reasoning?
Three of the requirements are kinds of fit: the fit of the premises with the world (truth), the fit of the conclusion with the evidence (good logic), and the fit of the argument with the conversation (conversational relevance).
What are clarity characteristics in a diamond?
Clarity: General Knowledge Recap Clarity means the flaws of the diamonds that occur naturally, there are external flaws (blemishes) and internal flaws (inclusions). These flaws are called “Clarity Characteristics” in the GIA Diamond Report. In simpler terms, they are the type of flaws a diamond has.
How many clarity grades are there?
The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories. In determining a clarity grade, the GIA system considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10× magnification.
What is the highest color grade a diamond can have?
“D”The highest color grade for a diamond is “D”. “D” color diamonds are very rare and not commonly found in traditional jewelry. Most diamonds used in jewelry have a slight presence of color.
What's more important color or clarity?
The color grade is more important than the clarity grade because cushion-cut diamonds tend to retain a lot of color. If you don't want any hints of color, look for a cushion cut diamond with a color grade of H or above.
What are VS diamonds?
A VS diamond contains minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10× magnification. Many different types of inclusions are possible, but they must be very small relative to the size of the diamond.
Does clarity affect sparkle?
You may think: the larger the diamond, the more sparkle. But in reality, diamonds with identical proportions, color and clarity have the same amount of sparkle regardless of size.
Is VS or VVS better?
VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) diamonds are a grade better than VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds. VS diamonds (both VS1 and VS2) contain a small number of inclusions when the diamond is viewed under 10x magnification.
Is SI1 clarity good?
SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions. This doesn't mean that SI clarity diamonds are a poor choice. In fact, most SI1 clarity diamonds will look just as good as a higher clarity diamond.
Is VS1 or VS2 better?
A VS1 diamond has no visible inclusions and under 10x magnification, the inclusions are almost unidentifiable. These diamonds make up the top 5 percent of all gem-quality stones. VS2 diamonds will only have eye-visible inclusions 5 percent or less of the time, which are more common in stones over 1 carat.
IS F vs diamond good?
As the least expensive color grade in the colorless area of the diamond color scale, an F color diamond offer slightly better value than a D or E diamond. However, most of the time, you'll be better off buying a G or H color diamond over one with an F color grade.
What is clarity in diamonds?
Clarity refers to the surface irregularities (blemishes) and internal (inclusions) features of a polished diamond. Collectively, these blemishes and inclusions are termed as the diamond’s clarity characteristics.
What are the factors that affect the ultimate condition of a diamond?
Besides the forces of nature, rough diamond mining and polishing processes are also factors that affect the ultimate condition of the diamond. Since no two diamonds are alike and do not have the same exact flaws in similar locations, clarity characteristics behave like fingerprints.
How to determine diamond clarity?
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone, according to the GIA. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.
What are the characteristics of a diamond?
GIA diamond clarity characteristics are graded by the following: 1 Flawless (FL): No visible inclusions or blemishes. 2 Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions are visible, but blemishes can be seen under 10x magnification. 3 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are very difficult to see. 4 Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): The inclusions are visible, but minor. 5 Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are indeed visible under 10x magnification. 6 Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are overly obvious and may affect a diamond’s brilliance.
What color is used to identify inclusions on diamonds?
These colors can help you understand specific clarity characteristics prior to purchase: Red is the color used to identify most inclusions on a diamond. Green identifies natural clarity characteristics such as inclusions as a result of the diamond’s formation in the earth.
Is a diamond flawless?
However, FL clarity graded diamonds are far and few between. Most diamonds have imperfections of some kind. In fact, most professional jewel ers have never seen a flawless diamond.
Is a diamond pure?
While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value. Inclusions and blemishes are examined under 10x magnification by professional diamond graders, and come in various forms. From bearded girdles to chips, the fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the more rare and valuable it is.
What are Clarity Characteristics?
Diamonds are naturally formed in the earth as a result of intense heat and pressure; these conditions can often result in inclusions and blemishes within, and on the surface of the stone. Like a snowflake, the formation of each diamond is entirely unique and many consider these inclusions ‘birthmarks’ within the diamond.
Clarity Grades
The GIA has six clarity categories, which are then subdivided into 11 specific grades. These grades are:
Can I Rely on my Grading Report?
First, I must point out that GIA or AGS certification is absolutely essential when buying a diamond. It really is the only way to know what you are buying. You can absolutely rely on the GIA to provide you with accurate data regarding the quality of your diamond.
The Final Word
Like a fingerprint, inclusions in a diamond make each stone entirely unique. Small inclusions that are not visible by eye are a precious reminder of the miraculous, natural formation of diamonds within the earth, however larger inclusions and flaws can ultimately be detrimental to the fire and brilliance of your stone.

What Are Clarity Characteristics?
Clarity Grades
- The GIA has six clarity categories, which are then subdivided into 11 specific grades. These grades are: 1. Flawless (FL)No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification 2. Internally Flawless (IF)No inclusions visible under 10x magnification 3. Very, Very Slightly Included(VVS1 and VVS2)Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 1…
Can I Rely on My Grading Report?
- First, I must point out that GIA or AGS certification is absolutely essential when buying a diamond. It really is the only way to know what you are buying. You can absolutely rely on the GIA to provide you with accurate data regarding the quality of your diamond. However, when it comes to clarity, your report should be used in conjunction with high-res imagingand a close look at the diamond…
The Final Word
- Like a fingerprint, inclusions in a diamond make each stone entirely unique. Small inclusions that are not visible by eye are a precious reminder of the miraculous, natural formation of diamonds within the earth, however larger inclusions and flaws can ultimately be detrimental to the fire and brilliance of your stone. Just as certification is essential, so too is a detailed look at the diamon…