Clarity
| Clarity: |
Number and Size |
Expert-10x loupe |
Naked Eye |
Influence on Brilliance |
| IF |
no inclusions-internally flawless |
nothing |
nothing |
none |
| VVS1 |
very very small inclusions, pin pricks |
very difficult |
nothing |
none |
| VVS2 |
very very small inclusions, pin pricks |
very difficult |
nothing |
none |
| VS1 |
very small, still minute |
difficult to see |
nothing |
none |
| VS2 |
very small, still minute |
difficult to see |
nothing |
none |
| SI1 |
tiny |
easily seen |
nothing |
none |
| SI2 |
tiny |
easily seen |
nothing from top |
none |
| I1 |
small |
recognisable immediately |
difficult to recognise |
none |
| I2 |
larger and/or numerous inclusions |
obvious |
recognisable immediately |
slight |
| I3 |
large and/or numerous |
very obvious |
very easily recognised |
heavy influence |
Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity. It describes the degree to
which a diamond is free of imperfections. The internal clarity grades range
from internally flawless (IF) to fairly included (I3)or third pique (pronounced
peekay) also written P3.
Flaws in diamonds may include external blemishes (from naturals and polishing
defects) and internal inclusions. Most blemishes are so small as to have
no affect on the beauty or brilliance of the stone. In nearly all diamonds,
traces of minerals, gasses or other elements are trapped inside during the
crystallization process. Inclusions look like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers
and are unique to every diamond. It is very rare to find a diamond that is
completely clean to the expert eye using 10x magnification.
In a GIA certificate, plots are drawn using different colors of ink to distinguish
between blemishes and inclusions: red for inclusions , green
for blemishes ,
cavities, naturals, knots, laser drill holes, and black
for extra facets .
The clarity of a diamond is graded by how many, how big and how visible the
inclusions are, and where they are located within the diamond at 10x magnification.
The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more rare and valuable the diamond.
It is very rare to find an internally flawless (IF) diamond.