Diamonds - Clarity

F: Flawless. These diamonds show no inclusions or imperfections of any sort under 10X magnification when observed by an experienced grader.

IF: Internally Flawless. These diamonds have no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10X magnification. Only external flaws are present, which can be removed by further polishing the stone. Truly flawless (F) and internally flawless (IF) diamonds are extremely rare and expensive.

VVS1 & VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Imperfect. These diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10X magnification. By definition, while grading under magnification, if an expert can see a flaw from the top of the diamond, it is a VVS2. If a grader can only detect flaws when viewing the bottom of the stone, then it is a VVS1. This category is still rare and expensive.

VS1 & VS2: Very Slightly Imperfect. These diamonds contain tiny inclusions that are difficult to locate, such as small crystals, clouds or feathers. Only a trained eye looking through a 10X magnification can pinpoint the inclusions in this category. The inclusions are virtually impossible to see with the naked eye. VS1 and VS2 diamonds are still on the high end of average, and are an excellent choice.

SI1 & SI2: Slightly Imperfect. These diamonds contain inclusions, including small clouds, crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers, that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10X magnification, but finding flaws in this category with the naked eye is difficult. Depending on the location of the inclusions, these diamonds face up beautifully and are an intelligent choice without sacrificing beauty or value. Many professional jewelers consider this category to have the most value for the money, and it’s the number one clarity grade purchased by consumers.

I1, I2 & I3: Imperfect. These diamonds contain inclusions that may or may not be easily seen by the naked eye. The flaws such as large feathers or large included crystals are obvious under 10X magnification and may affect clarity and brilliance of the diamond. Consider avoiding I2 and I3 diamonds.

Inclusions or blemishes give each diamond its own unique fingerprint, making your particular diamond truly distinctive. It is important to remember that inclusions don’t change over time, they should not be noticeable to the naked eye, nor should they be so excessive that they affect the diamond’s durability.

Our Take: Although clarity is important, we don't believe it's as important as color. The diamond should certainly be eye-clean, but given the choice, we'd rather have a G - SI2 than a J - VS2.