Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the assessment of imperfections either on the surface or within the diamond. Those with the least amount of defects will have a higher clarity grading. Flaws to the surface of the diamond are called blemishes and internal defects are known as inclusions.
Inclusions are natural and can appear black, grey or white in appearance. These imperfections are graded under x10 magnification, which is the standard for grading diamond clarity. Five grading factors which are considered are:
- Number of inclusions
- Position of inclusions
- Nature of inclusions
- Size of inclusions
- Colour of inclusions
Each factor is thoroughly examined so that the diamond is graded appropriately.
Group Grading :For multi-stone items of diamond jewellery such as diamond bracelets, diamond eternity rings, Multi-stone pendants etc. we provide a Diamond Factory & EGL Jewellery Certificate of Authenticity which confirms the combined diamond carat weight and diamond quality for your peace of mind in the quality of your diamond jewellery purchase. Obviously multi-stone jewellery have more than one diamond and so, we offer a range of grading options like clarity grades I1, SI, VS and VVS. It is very difficult to source the specific the grades of diamond, when many diamonds need to match together exactly.
Top Tips
To help you choose the diamond clarity that is perfect for you, we have collated a few top tips:
If you are a perfectionist but are working with a budget, a popular grade is VS1 - VS2 due to appearing almost flawless to the naked eye, making them a good value option when compared to the flawless cut (FL - IF).
For those wishing to maximise their budget, a good value option is SL1, where the inclusions do not appear very significant to the naked eye - however, can be seen upon close inspection.
Whilst we would advise on choosing the best clarity option for your budget, if you are primarily concerned about the size and price, SL1 - SL2 may be your best clarity option.
It is a good idea to consider diamond shape when choosing the clarity grading. Brilliant-cut diamonds (Round, Princess, Oval, Pear and Marquise) hide inclusions better than step cuts (Emerald, Asscher).
Each factor is thoroughly examined so that the diamond is graded appropriately.
Diamond Clarity Grading Chart
Please view the clarity grading chart below, to determine the most common grading categories and the corresponding factors
Internally flawless. Diamonds in this grade have no visible flaws even when examined at x10 magnification.
Very, very slight inclusion. Diamonds with a VVS1 or VVS2 grade have barely any inclusions and these can only be found under very high magnification.
Very slight inclusion. VS2 diamonds have a series of tiny inclusions that in common with the VS1 grade can only be discovered using x10 magnification. VS2 clarity diamonds are extremely popular as they are the grade which virtually guarantees inclusions are eye clean (not visible to the naked eye) diamonds. In most cases VS2 diamonds are eye clean. Rare exceptions may include VS2 diamonds on DF and in certain cases, Emerald and Asscher cut diamonds, which may not always be eye clean, even on IGI/GIA certificates. The type of inclusions here would generally consist of two small inclusions or a series of tiny ones. Diamonds of VS clarity are of outstanding quality.
SI1: Slight inclusion. Slight inclusions are easily found under x10 magnification. SI1 graded diamonds have small inclusions that will almost always be visible to the naked eye. SI1 clarity diamonds can offer exceptional value for those wishing to maximize their budget.
SI2: Slight inclusion. Diamonds have a greater number of inclusions that will almost always be visible to the naked eye.
Inclusion. Diamonds have numerous inclusions that can easily be seen. Diamonds of this clarity represent incredible value compared with higher clarity grades. These diamonds are perfect for people not sensitive to the presence of inclusions, but want a larger size (or weight) of diamond.
Inclusions Are Naturally Occurring
Remember, inclusions are naturally occurring. Each diamond is unique, partly because of inclusions. You can view an inclusion as a flaw, or as naturally occurring and unique characteristic of your diamond.
