Clarity: Natural diamonds form when pure carbon remains deep within the earth for millions, or even billions, of years. The carbon is subjected to tremendous heat and pressure until the carbon atoms bond together in a tight, repeating crystal structure we recognize as diamond. As this crystal slowly grows, tiny events in the earth—such as shifts in pressure, temperature changes, or the presence of other minerals—often leave behind clarity characteristics. These characteristics become a permanent part of the stone.
These clarity characteristics fall into two main categories:
Inclusions and blemishes.
Inclusions lie inside the diamond or extend from the surface inward. Common inclusions include “feathers” (small internal fractures that can look like wispy lines or wings). Crystals are tiny minerals trapped inside the diamond, which may appear as dots or specks. Clouds are groups of many minute pinpoints that create a hazy or milky area.
Blemishes,
In contrast, they exist only on the surface of the diamond. Typical blemishes include naturals (small areas of original rough surface left unpolished on the girdle). Scratches are fine lines caused by contact with other diamonds or hard surfaces, and nicks are tiny chips or indentations along edges or facet junctions.
Gemologists use the GIA clarity scale to describe and grade these internal and external features under 10x magnification.
At the top of the scale, FL (Flawless) diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader at 10x. This makes them extremely rare. Meanwhile, IF (Internally Flawless) diamonds show no inclusions under 10x magnification. However, they may display very minor surface blemishes that a professional can usually remove with additional polishing. Next, VVS1 and VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) diamonds contain minute inclusions that even an experienced grader has great difficulty seeing at 10x. Importantly, these inclusions never affect the diamond’s durability or beauty.
VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included) diamonds contain small inclusions that remain difficult to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions are rarely noticeable without a loupe. For many buyers, VS clarity offers an excellent balance of quality and value. SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included) diamonds show inclusions that a grader can see fairly easily at 10x. Some of these inclusions may be faintly visible to the naked eye, especially in larger stones or under strong lighting. At the lower end of the scale, I1, I2, and I3 (Included) diamonds have obvious inclusions at 10x and to the unaided eye. Sometimes, these inclusions can affect durability if they are large, deep, or located in vulnerable areas.
Clarity can influence a diamond’s beauty. However, it does so in more subtle ways than many people expect. A well-cut diamond with VS or SI clarity often looks just as beautiful to the naked eye as a higher-clarity stone. This is because most inclusions remain too small or well-hidden to notice without magnification. However, significant clouds, dark crystals near the center, or large feathers reaching the surface can reduce transparency, sparkle, and perceived brightness. Because very clean diamonds occur so rarely in nature, prices rise sharply as clarity improves. This is especially true from SI to VS and from VS to VVS and IF. All else being equal, the closer a diamond is to flawless—free from noticeable inclusions or blemishes—the more highly collectors and connoisseurs value it.
