Diamond Education for the Untrained Eye

Diamond clarity is an indication of its purity. In all diamonds, except the most rare, diamond grades are determined by tiny traces of minerals, gasses, or other elements that were trapped inside during the crystallization process. The flaws that affect the diamond clarity and stop it from becoming a certified diamond are called inclusions. Virtually all natural diamonds that become certified diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope and learned diamond education, natural phenomena -- called inclusions -- may be seen. These are nature's birthmarks that determine diamond grades, and they may look like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers.

Flawless -	no external marks or internal exclusions
Internally Flawless –	surface blemishes, but no internal inclusions
VVS1,2 –	very, very slight inclusions
VS1,2 –	very slight inclusions
SI1,2,3 –	slight inclusions
I1,2,3 -	inclusions visible under 10X magnification as well as to the human eye

The diamond grades are given based on diamond clarity: how many, how big, and how visible the inclusions are. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the higher the diamond grade, the more rare and valuable the diamond is, and the better the diamond clarity. Less than 1% of all diamonds ever found have had no inclusions with very high diamond grades and can be called flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF). Diamonds that bear visible and repeated inclusions receive lower diamond grades and are therefore less rare. Diamonds with inclusions visible to the naked eye receive diamond grades ranging from I1 to I3.

Diamond Education: Internally Flawless and Flawless Stones

Diamond clarity has yet another facet to its composition. Diamond clarity refers to the diamond’s natural brilliance. The determination of diamond clarity occurs through a process known as dispersion. When a beam of light is reflected, refracted and deflected within the stone, this breaks the beam into the spectrum of rainbow colors that makes a diamond glitter. But for it to happen with the proper drama and beauty, a stone must have a high degree of diamond clarity. This is why the diamond clarity of white diamonds is so valuable. They are very clear and virtually colorless.

Certified diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no such inclusions. Flawless stones are at the pinnacle of the Diamond Hierarchy and are treasured for their rarity, beauty and monumental pricing. Certified diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. Diamonds that aren’t certified diamonds have larger inclusions, lower diamond grades and are more common. Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 or I3.

The number, color, type, size and position of surface and internal inclusions affect a diamond's value. Major inclusions can interfere with the diamond clarity and path of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value. Please review the diamond clarity chart below for an in depth analysis and better diamond education. Remember that Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are at the highest end of the price spectrum, while I1 to I3 diamonds are at the lowest.