Diamond Information: Clarity

The term "Clarity" is the third of the "four Cs" of diamonds that consumers study. A diamond's clarity measures almost exactly what you might think: its overall look and beauty. Just like people, diamonds have blemishes and spots - birthmarks. A diamond without these flaws will sparkle more and will be considered more perfect than another stone that displays flaws.

But a diamond's flaws can be difficult to see - nearly impossible. Experts use special magnification to view a stone up-close. These gem experts evaluate a stone and grade it along an 11-point scale that includes ratings of Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included and Included. While these distinctions each have their own precise measurements (and levels within), you may be surprised to know that the naked eye can rarely distinguish grades until the lower Slightly Included or Included levels.

Levels of Clarity

• Flawless: Displays no flaws (also called inclusions) of any kind and no blemishes. Rated as "FL."
• Internally Flawless: Displays no inclusions under 10-power magnification, but does display some minor blemishes. Rated as "IF."
• Very Very Slightly Included: Displays very minimal inclusions that are difficult to find when examined carefully under magnification. Rated as "VVS1" and "VVS2."
• Very Slightly Included: Displays some inclusions under magnification. Remember that the naked eye is not likely to even notice these inclusions. Rated as "VS1" and "VS2."
• Slightly Included: Contains inclusions such as cloudy areas or crystals that are noticeable under magnification. Rated as "SI1" and "SI2."
• Included: Contains obvious inclusions when examined under magnification. These larger inclusions could have an effect on overall brilliance. Rated as "I1," "I2" and "I3."

How clarity and cut are related

Remember that the four Cs of diamonds are inter-related. Consumers shopping for diamond jewelry must take into account each of the four Cs when evaluating a stone. For example, if you select a stone that is rated high on the clarity scale - say, for example, a Very Very Slightly Included or a VS1 - the type of cut you select could eliminate or enhance a large portion of the value of the stone. Emerald cuts, for example, have facets that are arranged very specifically. In fact, the facet arrangement on an emerald-cut diamond makes imperfections much more noticeable than a round brilliant-cut diamond. Keep this in mind as you select stones and settings. Clarity will make a stone much more costly, but it might not make it more beautiful.

How clarity is assessed

Because clarity relates to microscopic parts of a stone, it really can't be assessed with the naked eye. In fact, trained professionals need to evaluate a stone under 10-power magnification because blemishes and inclusions can be difficult to spot. Jewelers use a device called a loupe, which is a 10-power magnifying glass. Remember that even a diamond that displays blemishes can be absolutely beautiful if it has a flattering cut and an excellent color. Keep this in mind as you continue to evaluate stones.