What is diamond clarity
This is a detailed technical page. Please see our diamond clarity page if you want an overview. Please see our buyers' guide if you want to know about our diamond quality policy that applies to all our engagement rings.
The chart below shows the clarity scale. FL grade diamonds are extremely rare and extraordinarily expensive. "I" grade have visible imperfections. The SI1 - VS2 level is an ideal level between price and quality because above this level nobody will ever see the difference unless they examine the diamond very carefully with a 10x magnifying loupe.
Is Clarity a Major Consideration When Choosing a Diamond?
The quality of a diamond is determined by it's cut, colour and clarity. Its value is also determined by it's size, or more accurately: it's weight as measured in carats. Good advice is to buy the size you want, within your budget, keeping the cut at excellent, or very good, to ensure good sparkle, and a colour grade above J so the diamond appears bright white, and the clarity of SI or better.
The Five Factors in Determining Clarity
Size of Inclusion
Larger characteristics will place a diamond in a lower grade even if they are so small they can't be seen by the naked eye.
Number of Inclusions
Generally the more characteristics the lower the clarity grade.
Position of Inclusion
An inclusion is most visible when it is directly under the table (the top, flat part) of the diamond. An inclusion under the table and positioned close to a pavilion facet, will reflect multiple times around the stone, and will therefore have a greater impact on the clarity grade. Inclusions become less visible when they are positioned under the crown facets, or near the girdle of the stone. These inclusions may often be more easily seen from the pavilion side of the diamond than from the crown side of the diamond.
Nature of Inclusion
The characteristic's nature determines whether it is internal (where they extend into the stone) or external (where they are limited to the surface of the stone).
Colour or Relief
Characteristics that contrast with the surrounding diamond are said to have relief. The degree to which this colour and relief are noticeable affects the clarity grade of the diamond. Colored inclusions invariably show contrast and are more easily seen.
With all these factors taken into consideration, the diamond is then graded on a scale ranging from FL (flawless or 'loupe clean') to Pique (can see imperfections with the naked eye), with the grade assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under 10x magnification. See diamond clarity for more information.
