Most diamonds trap microscopic scratches, blemishes, air bubbles, or foreign matter as the crystal grows. Some imperfections are formed during the cutting process and include polish lines left from the polishing wheel, small nicks or scratches. It is the presence or absence of these inclusions that are a contributing factor in the value of the diamond and contribute to the overall clarity grade. The fewer inclusions in a diamond, the more rare and valuable it is.

Clarity Grades:
Diamonds are graded for clarity under an industry-standard 10x magnification. The grades range from the extremely rare Flawless or Internally Flawless, to Imperfect 3 or I3 heavily blemished stones whose inclusions are visible to the unaided eye. The fewer inclusions a diamond possesses, the more freely light travels through the diamond.

FL Flawless - No internal or external imperfections

IF Internally Flawless - No Internal Flaws

VVS1 - VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included - Extremely difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification.

VS1-VS2 Very Slightly Included - Unable to see inclusions to the unaided eye. An untrained eye may not be able to see visible under 10x magnification.

SI1-SI2 Slightly Included - Relatively easy to see the inclusions under 10x magnification. Not visible to the unaided eye.

I1-I3 Imperfect - Inclusions visible to the unaided eye, especially in larger stones. May not be visible in smaller diamonds.

What Clarity to Buy