Clarity grade measures a diamond’s visual inclusions, blemishes or lack thereof. These might be crystals, feathers, pinpoints, clouds, cavities, internal graining, scratches, pits, nicks, chips or other imperfections. These imperfections are also known as inclusions or birthmarks.
Nearly all diamonds have inclusions to some extent, which is evidence of the natural evolution of the original diamond crystal. Inclusions can be likened to the fingerprint of the stone, as the size and position is different in every diamond and are indicators of a natural stone.
Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL), where under 10x magnification a diamond is completely free of inclusions, to Included 3 (I3) (P3)where diamonds possess large, heavy inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.
Though flawless diamonds are the rarest, a diamond does not have to be flawless to be stunning. Diamonds with VVS and VS Clarity grades represent excellent choices for both value and appearance. Even diamonds with an SI rating do not have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and offer a more affordable option.