Diamond Clarity
Understanding Nature’s Internal Fingerprints
Every natural diamond has been created over the course of billions of years under both extreme time and pressure beneath our planet’s surface. On their long geological journey, most diamonds develop unique internal structures referred to as “inclusions” and surface irregularities termed “blemishes”, which are used to describe or define the clarity of each individual diamond.
Sam’s Jewelers believes that clarity is one of the most personal of the 4Cs. While some collectors seek absolute purity, others appreciate the unique “birthmarks” that prove a diamond’s natural origin. At our Indianapolis jewelry store, we rely on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) clarity scale. It’s how we help you see what’s really going on with each stone. This guide will empower you to shop for diamond engagement rings or buy diamond wedding rings with the expertise of a professional gemologist.
What is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity is the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are materials trapped inside the diamond or structural imperfections such as tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers. Blemishes, on the other hand, are external features like scratches or nicks that may occur during the cutting process or through daily wear.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a clarity grading system that evaluates these characteristics based on five main factors.
- Size: How large or small is the characteristic?
- Number: How many inclusions are present?
- Position: Is the inclusion under the table (visible) or near the girdle (hidden)?
- Nature: What kind of inclusion is it (e.g.: a crystal or a feather)?
- Color/Relief: How much does the inclusion stand out against the host diamond?
The GIA Clarity Scale: From Flawless to Included
The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, providing a highly specific roadmap for quality. When you visit our showroom at Castleton Square Mall, you will find that each grade offers a different balance of rarity and value.
Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)
These are the “unicorns” of the diamond world. In a Flawless diamond, no inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader under 10x magnification. Internally Flawless diamonds have no internal inclusions but may have minor surface blemishes. These stones are incredibly rare and represent the peak of diamond purity.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
In these diamonds, the inclusions are so minute that they are difficult for even a professional grader to locate under 10x magnification. For a consumer, these stones appear absolutely perfect to the naked eye.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
The VS category is the “sweet spot” for many buyers. Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a professional to see under 10x magnification. However, they are almost always invisible to the untrained, naked eye. If you want to shop for diamond engagement rings, the VS range provides a flawless look without the steep price of the VVS or FL categories.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
Inclusions in SI diamonds are noticeable under 10x magnification. This category offers exceptional value. Many SI1 diamonds are "eye-clean," meaning the inclusions cannot be seen without a jeweler’s loupe. This makes them a popular choice for those looking to buy diamond anniversary bands where multiple stones are set together.
Included (I1, I2, and I3)
Inclusions in this range are obvious under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye. While these stones are less rare, they allow for much larger carat weights at a lower cost.
The Concept of “Eye-Clean” Diamonds
In the jewelry industry, “eye-clean” is a term used to describe a diamond that appears to have no inclusions when viewed by the naked eye from a standard distance (about 6 to 12 inches).
While the GIA does not officially use the term “eye-clean” on a grading report, it is a vital concept for the practical buyer. At Sam’s Jewelers, we help you inspect stones to find those high-value SI1 or VS2 diamonds that look perfect to your partner but save you thousands of dollars compared to a Flawless stone.
How Inclusions Affect the Beauty of a Diamond
Not all inclusions are created equal. The “nature” and “position” of an inclusion play a huge role in how a diamond looks in a setting.
Feathers:
These are internal microscopic fractures. If a feather is large and reaches the surface, it could potentially impact the stone’s durability.
Crystals
These are tiny minerals trapped inside the diamond. They can be white, black, or even red.
Table Inclusions
An inclusion located directly under the large top facet (the table) is more visible than one hidden near the edge (the girdle) where the prongs of the ring might cover it.
Clouds:
A group of pinpoints that can create a “hazy” appearance if they are dense enough.
Understanding these details is why many people prefer to shop for diamond eternity bands in person, where they can see how the light interacts with the clarity of each individual stone.
Clarity and the Other 3Cs
Clarity does not exist in a vacuum. It interacts with the other 3Cs in ways that can change your buying strategy.
Clarity and Cut
A diamond with an Excellent or Ideal cut reflects so much light that it can actually “hide” minor inclusions. The sparkle (scintillation) masks the birthmarks within the stone.
Clarity and Carat Weight
The larger the diamond, the easier it is to see inclusions. If you are looking at a 2-carat stone, you may want to stay in the VS2 range. For a 0.50-carat stone, an SI1 will likely look perfectly clean.
Clarity and Shape
Some diamond cuts, such as the Emerald or Baguette, feature elongated, flat facets, the so-called “step cuts.” These designs essentially create a window into the stone, which unfortunately makes any internal flaws far more visible. For these shapes, we recommend a higher clarity grade.
Expert Advice:
Finding Your Clarity Sweet Spot
To maximize your budget when you shop for diamond jewelry, follow these professional tips:
VS2 is the Standard:
This grade almost guarantees an eye-clean diamond at a fair price.
SI1 for Value:
Always check an SI1 diamond in person. If the inclusions are near the edge or are white/transparent, it is a fantastic value.
The “Eye-Clean” Test:
Always look at the diamond in natural light, not just under the bright jeweler’s lamps, to see if any inclusions become visible.
Diamond Clarity and Inclusions: Frequently Asked Questions
Clarity refers to the relative absence of internal features called inclusions and surface traits known as blemishes. Because diamonds are formed deep underground under immense heat and pressure, most possess tiny "birthmarks." At Sam’s Jewelers, we help our Indianapolis customers understand how these natural characteristics impact a diamond's rarity and overall beauty.
The GIA scale consists of 11 specific grades, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). A diamond is graded based on the size, number, position, and nature of its inclusions when viewed under 10x magnification. When you visit our Castleton Square Mall showroom, we can show you exactly how these professional grades translate to the appearance of the stone in person.
An eye-clean diamond is a stone that appears to have no visible inclusions to the naked eye when viewed from a standard distance. While a diamond might have an SI1 or VS2 grade, it can still look perfectly clean to your partner. Our team at Sam’s Jewelers specializes in finding these high-value stones that offer a flawless look without the premium price of a Flawless grade.
Many buyers consider VS2 (Very Slightly Included) to be the sweet spot for diamond selection. At this grade, the inclusions are difficult to see even under magnification and are almost never visible to the naked eye. Choosing a VS2 stone allows you to allocate more of your budget toward a larger carat weight or a better cut while maintaining a perfect appearance.
Yes, a high-quality cut is excellent at masking clarity traits. An Excellent or Ideal cut reflects light so effectively that the resulting sparkle and scintillation can hide tiny internal feathers or crystals. By prioritizing a superior cut at our Indianapolis jewelry store, you can sometimes choose a slightly lower clarity grade without compromising the stone's visual brilliance.
The location of an inclusion is just as important as its size. A tiny mark directly under the top "table" facet is much more visible than one hidden near the outer edge or "girdle." At Sam’s Jewelers, we often look for diamonds with inclusions near the edges because they can often be hidden by the metal prongs of the ring setting.
Yes, shapes like Emerald and Baguette cuts have long, flat facets that act like windows into the stone. Unlike brilliant cuts that hide inclusions with sparkle, step cuts make internal flaws much more obvious. If you are shopping for these specific shapes in Indianapolis, we typically recommend a higher clarity grade such as VS1 or better.
Inclusions come in many forms. Feathers are tiny internal fractures that look like wisps, while clouds are groups of microscopic pinpoints that can make a stone look hazy if they are too dense. Understanding these "natural fingerprints" is part of the education we provide at Sam’s Jewelers to help you make an informed decision.
As a diamond increases in size, the facets become larger, making it easier to spot internal characteristics. If you are purchasing a stone over 2 carats, you may need to be more selective about clarity. For smaller diamonds, such as those in a wedding band or stud earrings, inclusions are much harder to detect with the naked eye.
A GIA certificate provides an unbiased, expert opinion on a diamond's clarity. Without this third-party verification, you are relying on a seller's subjective view. At Sam’s Jewelers, we provide certified diamonds to ensure our customers have scientific proof of their stone's quality, which is essential for both insurance purposes and future value.
