Diamond Clarity & Quality Standards | Onya Diamonds

Diamond clarity is one of the four Cs used to evaluate a diamond's quality, alongside cut, colour and carat weight. It measures the presence, size, number, position and visibility of internal characteristics (inclusions) and external imperfections (blemishes).

The diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3), covering 11 individual grades. These grades help buyers understand a diamond's characteristics and compare its quality using a standard grading system.

Understanding diamond clarity is important when purchasing jewellery because two diamonds with the same carat weight and colour can have different clarity grades, appearances and prices.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to how free a diamond is from internal inclusions and external blemishes.

These characteristics can develop during diamond formation or result from cutting, polishing and subsequent wear.

A diamond with fewer or less noticeable clarity characteristics generally receives a higher clarity grade. However, a higher clarity grade does not automatically mean better sparkle. Cut quality has a more direct influence on how a diamond reflects and returns light.

Diamond Clarity Scale: All 11 Grades Explained

The diamond clarity scale consists of six categories and 11 individual grades. Professional diamond graders assess clarity under 10x magnification.

The six categories are:

1. Flawless (FL)

2. Internally Flawless (IF)

3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

6. Included (I1, I2 and I3)

Diamond Clarity Chart

Understanding the Six Diamond Clarity Categories

1. Flawless (FL)

Flawless is the highest grade on the diamond clarity scale. A Flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader under 10x magnification. These diamonds are exceptionally rare.

2. Internally Flawless (IF)

An Internally Flawless diamond has no internal inclusions visible under 10x magnification. However, it may contain insignificant external blemishes.

The primary difference between FL and IF is the presence of surface characteristics.

3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to identify under 10x magnification.

• VVS1: Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect.

• VVS2: Inclusions are very difficult to detect but are generally easier to identify than those in VVS1 diamonds.

VVS diamonds generally appear clean to the naked eye because their inclusions are very small.

4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

VS diamonds contain minor inclusions that can be identified under 10x magnification.

• VS1: Inclusions are difficult to identify.

• VS2: Inclusions are somewhat easier to identify than those in VS1 diamonds.

Many VS diamonds appear clean without magnification, although their appearance depends on the size, location, nature and visibility of individual inclusions.

5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

SI diamonds contain noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification.

• SI1: Inclusions are easy to identify under magnification.

• SI2: Inclusions are generally very easy to identify.

Some SI diamonds can still appear eye-clean, depending on their individual characteristics. Others may have inclusions visible without magnification.

6. Included (I1, I2 and I3)

Included diamonds have obvious inclusions under 10x magnification. These characteristics may also be visible to the naked eye.

• I1: Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency or brilliance.

• I2: More prominent inclusions may have a greater impact on appearance.

• I3: Inclusions are substantial and may significantly affect transparency, brilliance and durability.

The actual effect depends on the type, size and position of the inclusions.

Diamond Clarity Grades: Magnification vs Naked-Eye Visibility

The following table provides a general understanding of how clarity characteristics are observed. Naked-eye visibility is not a fixed property of a clarity grade; it depends on the individual diamond and viewing conditions.

What Factors Determine a Diamond's Clarity Grade?

Diamond clarity is not determined by the number of inclusions alone. Professional gemologists evaluate five important factors when assigning a clarity grade.

Five Factors Used in Diamond Clarity Grading

These five factors are evaluated together rather than independently. Their relative importance can vary from one diamond to another.

1. Size

Size refers to how large an inclusion or blemish appears within a diamond.

Larger characteristics generally have a greater influence on clarity grading than smaller ones, assuming other factors are comparable.

2. Number

Number refers to the total amount of inclusions and blemishes present in a diamond.

A greater number of clarity characteristics can influence the overall grade, depending on their size, position and visibility.

3. Position

Position refers to where an inclusion or blemish appears within a diamond.

Characteristics near the centre of the diamond's table may be more noticeable than those closer to its edges. Their position can influence how easily they are seen through the diamond's facets.

4. Nature

Nature describes the type of inclusion or blemish present in a diamond.

Common examples include:

• Crystals: Mineral crystals or other diamond material enclosed within the diamond.

• Feathers: Internal fractures that may resemble small feathers.

• Pinpoints: Very small, dot-like inclusions.

• Clouds: Groups of tiny inclusions that can create a hazy appearance.

• Needles: Thin, elongated crystal inclusions.

5. Relief

Relief describes how noticeable a clarity characteristic appears against the surrounding diamond.

Dark or highly contrasting inclusions may be more visible than transparent or low-contrast inclusions of a similar size.

What Are Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes?

Inclusions and blemishes are the two main types of clarity characteristics.

The main distinction is their location. Inclusions are internal, while blemishes are external.

Not every inclusion or blemish affects a diamond's appearance or durability to the same extent.

Common Types of Diamond Inclusions

Crystal: A mineral crystal or another diamond crystal enclosed within the diamond.

Feather: An internal fracture that can appear feather-like under magnification.

Pinpoint: A very small dot-like inclusion.

Cloud: A group of tiny inclusions that may appear as a hazy area.

Needle: A thin, elongated crystal inclusion.

The type and position of these characteristics influence how noticeable they are and how they contribute to the final clarity grade.

How Is Diamond Clarity Graded?

Diamond clarity is assessed by trained gemologists under controlled viewing conditions using 10x magnification.

The grading process generally involves four steps:

A diamond grading report may also include a clarity plot, which is a diagram showing the approximate location and type of identified characteristics.

A clarity plot is used to document a diamond's characteristics. It is not a photograph of the actual inclusions.

Does Diamond Clarity Affect Sparkle and Brilliance?

Diamond clarity can influence transparency and brilliance, particularly when inclusions are large, numerous or positioned in ways that interfere with light transmission.

However, clarity is not the only factor responsible for a diamond's sparkle.

Cut quality has a more direct influence on how efficiently a diamond reflects and returns light. A well-cut diamond with VS clarity can appear more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond with a higher clarity grade.

Diamond Clarity vs the Other 3Cs

Diamond quality is evaluated through four main characteristics, collectively known as the 4Cs.

Each of the four Cs contributes to a diamond's overall quality and value. They should be considered together when comparing diamonds.

Is There a Difference Between Natural and Lab Grown Diamond Clarity?

No. Natural and lab grown diamonds are evaluated using the same fundamental clarity-grading principles.

Both are real diamonds with the same essential chemical composition and crystal structure. However, their clarity characteristics may differ depending on how they are formed.

Natural vs Lab Grown Diamond Clarity

Lab grown diamonds are not automatically higher in clarity than natural diamonds. Each individual diamond receives its own assessment based on its characteristics.

Grading laboratories such as IGI provide reports documenting the clarity and other quality characteristics of lab grown diamonds.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Clarity for Jewellery?

The right clarity grade depends on the diamond's size, shape, setting, appearance and budget.

Different jewellery types may require different considerations when evaluating diamond clarity.

Recommended Diamond Clarity Considerations for Different Jewellery

These are general comparison ranges, not mandatory jewellery standards. The actual appearance of each diamond should be evaluated before purchase.

What Is an Eye-Clean Diamond?

An eye-clean diamond is one in which inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions.

Eye-clean is a visual description, not an official diamond clarity grade.

Some SI diamonds can appear eye-clean, while certain diamonds with higher clarity grades may have characteristics that are easier to notice under particular viewing conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Diamond Clarity

1. Diamond Size

Larger diamonds may make inclusions easier to notice, particularly when they are positioned near the centre.

2. Diamond Shape

Step-cut shapes, such as emerald and Asscher cuts, have larger open facets that can make inclusions easier to see. Brilliant cuts, such as round and oval, may help conceal some minor inclusions.

3. Setting Style

Bezel and halo settings can help conceal certain characteristics depending on their location. However, a setting does not change the diamond's actual clarity grade.

4. Budget

Higher clarity grades generally command higher prices. Comparing VS and VVS diamonds can help buyers understand the price difference between clarity categories.

5. Actual Appearance

Always examine the individual diamond and check whether its inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Do not rely on the clarity grade alone.

What Diamond Clarity Standard Does Onya Follow?

At Onya, we use 100% VVS clarity lab grown diamonds across our jewellery collections.

VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included. It is a high clarity category in which inclusions are extremely difficult to identify under 10x magnification.

Our focus on VVS clarity reflects Onya's diamond quality specification across its lab grown diamond jewellery.

When purchasing diamond jewellery, customers can also refer to the relevant diamond grading documentation to understand the assessed characteristics of an individual stone.

Clarity is one part of diamond quality. Cut, colour, carat weight and craftsmanship also contribute to the appearance and overall quality of finished jewellery.

Rather than choosing a diamond based on clarity alone, consider all four Cs and examine the individual stone's grading report and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Is VS1 or VS2 better?
  VS1 is better than VS2 because it has fewer or less noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification. Both grades generally offer an eye-clean appearance.

• Is clarity a good diamond?
  Yes. Diamond clarity is an important quality factor. Higher clarity grades have fewer or less noticeable inclusions and blemishes, but clarity alone does not determine a diamond's overall quality or brilliance.

• What is the lowest quality diamond?
  I3 is the lowest grade on the GIA diamond clarity scale. It has prominent inclusions that may significantly affect the diamond's transparency, appearance and durability.

• Which clarity of diamond is best?
  FL (Flawless) is the highest diamond clarity grade. However, VVS1, VVS2, VS1 and VS2 can also offer excellent clarity and an eye-clean appearance.
  

• Does a higher clarity grade mean more sparkle?
  Not necessarily. Cut quality has a more direct influence on brilliance and light performance. Clarity can affect transparency and brilliance when inclusions are significant.

• What clarity grade does Onya use?
  Onya uses VVS clarity lab grown diamonds across its jewellery collections. VVS includes VVS1 and VVS2 grades.

• Are natural and lab grown diamonds graded using the same clarity scale?
  Yes. Both are evaluated using the same fundamental clarity-grading principles, including examination of internal and external characteristics under 10x magnification.