| Because diamonds are formed under extreme | | | | Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions, only |
| heat and pressure, they inevitably contain naturally | | | | blemishes are visible when viewed under 10x |
| occurring flaws. Depending on the severity, these | | | | magnification. |
| flaws (called "inclusions" when inside the diamond | | | | Internally flawless diamonds appear absolutely |
| and "blemishes" when on the surface) can impact | | | | identical to flawless diamonds when viewed |
| the overall appearance of a diamond. If the flaws | | | | without a magnifier. Even with magnification, only |
| are severe enough, they can disrupt the path of | | | | a skilled grader can perceive IF level flaws. Less |
| light through the diamond, thereby reducing its | | | | than 3% of diamonds sold for jewelry are rated |
| transparency and brilliance. | | | | IF. |
| The position of an inclusion affects how easily it | | | | Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - |
| can be seen. Diamond cutters will make every | | | | Inclusions are difficult to see under 10x |
| effort to cut a stone so that inclusions are not | | | | magnification. |
| visible through the top of the finished diamond. | | | | Diamonds graded VVS1 typically have inclusions |
| The GIA developed a clarity scale as a way of | | | | which can only be seen when viewing the |
| systematically evaluating the number, size, | | | | diamond from the bottom, which is normally |
| reflectivity, color, and position of these flaws. This | | | | hidden once a diamond is set in gold or platinum. |
| scale has now been near universally adopted as a | | | | Diamonds graded VVS2 have inclusions that are |
| means of communicating clarity. When a diamond | | | | visible when viewed from above; however, the |
| is graded by the GIA, a certificate is issued | | | | inclusion is extremely small and cannot be seen by |
| reporting the findings in writing. This GIA | | | | the unaided eye. VVS diamonds appear identical |
| certificate travels from buyer to seller with the | | | | to flawless diamonds until viewed under |
| diamond. | | | | magnification by a skilled grader. Approximately |
| In addition to providing the clarity grade, the GIA | | | | 10% of all diamonds sold for jewelry are VVS |
| certificate will often also show a diamond plot. | | | | grade. |
| This plot is a graphic representation of the position | | | | Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - Minor |
| and type of inclusions found. The plot does not | | | | Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification. |
| indicate how visible or severe the inclusion is; that | | | | VS inclusions are not typically visible to the |
| is what the clarity grade is for. Using the diamond | | | | unaided eye. Only about 1 in 100 untrained |
| plot and clarity grade together, the customer can | | | | observers could detect VS2 grade inclusions with |
| gain a firm understanding of the nature of any | | | | the unaided eye. Needless to say, under casual |
| imperfections even without the actual diamond | | | | observation, VS diamonds appear flawless. |
| being present. | | | | Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) - Inclusions are |
| If a diamond has been treated (laser drilling, | | | | clearly visible under 10x magnification. |
| fracture filling, etc), the clarity may be artificially | | | | SI1 is the lowest clarity grade with inclusions that |
| enhanced. In fact, approximately one in three | | | | are typically invisible to the unaided eye. SI1 |
| diamonds on the market today has been artificially | | | | diamonds are a popular choice for their |
| enhanced in some way. If detected, GIA will not | | | | combination of price and perceived flawlessness. |
| issue a certificate to diamonds treated to improve | | | | SI2 inclusions are often visible to the unaided eye, |
| clarity. Any type of treatment or "enhancement" | | | | although only with close inspection. With the |
| made to a diamond lowers its value. For this | | | | introduction of visible flaws (though very slight) |
| reason, it is important that customers insist on a | | | | comes a substantial reduction in price. In diamonds |
| certified diamond unless they are very confident | | | | over 1 carat (where clarity is more important |
| in their own ability to detect such issues. | | | | than in smaller diamonds), SI2 diamonds are often |
| While most labs follow the GIA taxonomy for | | | | twice the price of VS1 (all other factors being |
| clarity, others (such as AGS) do not. It is | | | | equal). |
| important to remember that while other labs may | | | | Included (I1, I2, and I3) - Inclusions are obvious |
| use the GIA terminology, they may apply them | | | | under 10x magnification and may affect |
| differently. For this reason, caution should be | | | | transparency and brilliance. |
| exercised when comparing two diamonds which | | | | I1 diamonds have flaws that are usually visible to |
| have been rated by different laboratories. | | | | the unaided eye. I1 diamonds are a good choice |
| Following is a breakdown of the GIA clarity | | | | for customers on a budget who are primarily |
| grades and their definitions. Further comments are | | | | concerned about size. I2 and I3 diamonds have |
| included to supplement the official definition and | | | | flaws that are not only visible, but are potentially |
| increase understanding of what each grade | | | | severe enough to affect the diamond's durability. |
| means. (View a GIA Diamond Clarity Chart for | | | | Using the definitions and further explanations |
| reference). | | | | above, you should be able to confidently |
| Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes are | | | | determine the level of imperfection you are |
| visible when viewed under 10x magnification. | | | | comfortable with. The GIA grade is especially |
| Flawless diamonds are extremely rare. Less than | | | | helpful when purchasing diamonds online, as it |
| one in five thousand jewelry quality diamonds will | | | | gives the buyer an independent, professional |
| be rated FL by GIA. For this reason, flawless | | | | evaluation of the diamonds flaws. |
| grade diamonds carry a substantial price premium. | | | | |