Diamond clarity refers to the relative absence of internal characteristics, known as inclusions, and surface characteristics, known as blemishes. These inclusions can be crystals or minerals inside the diamond that are caused by natural processes when the diamond is formed.

To appreciate diamond clarity, we must first understand diamond formation. When carbon is exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep within the Earth, it can result in the formation of natural diamonds. This process can produce a range of internal and external traits known as “inclusions” and “blemishes.”

Almost all diamonds contain minute mineral traces. Most are not visible to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. The fewer the number of inclusions a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable the stone becomes. Clarity is the term used to indicate the extent to which the diamond you purchase is free of these inclusions.

The quantity, size, relief, type, and position of these inclusions, as well as how they affect the overall appearance of the stone, are all factors in defining diamond clarity. The closer it gets to purity, the higher its clarity.

Best Diamond Clarity Grade for Engagement Rings

The purity of a diamond, or how free it is of inclusions and flaws, can be extremely subjective. A flawless diamond may indicate a flawless love for certain diamond engagement ring buyers. However, Flawless clarity diamonds are extremely rare.

There will almost certainly be inclusions in the diamonds you see. However, some will fall into the Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), and Slightly Included (SI) clarity categories, which have inclusions visible only with 10x magnification.

Because differences are impossible to notice with the naked eye, there is a lot of room to move within your desired price range within these clarity grades.

Important notes to consider when choosing the best diamond clarity for your engagement ring

As long as the inclusion in the diamond is not visible to the naked eye, you do not necessarily have to buy the best clarity grade. Here is a short and simple lesson regarding diamond clarity.

The best clarity grade of a diamond is Flawless “FL”. A flawless diamond is completely clean and has no internal or external flaws. It has also been perfectly polished, and there are no scratches or abrasions on the diamond’s surface. In essence, it is a perfect diamond.

The next category is the Internally Flawless “IF” grade, which is given to a diamond that has no internal flaws but does have minor external blemishes on the diamond’s surface, for example, surface grain lines. This and the “FL” grade can demand very steep prices.

The next grade is “VVS”, which stands for “Very Very Slightly Included”. It is divided into two sub-grades, VVS1 and VVS2. VVS1 is categorised as a better grade than VVS2. One can only see the inclusion with a 10x magnified eyeglass or loupe, and it is quite difficult to find. It is still a very expensive grade.

The intermediate-range and highly desired clarity “VS” or “Very Slightly Included” can be noticed with a 10x Loupe. They are characterised as minor or small in appearance. Diamonds in these grades might have inclusions such as small included crystals, small clouds, small feathers, or several pinpoints. The inclusions in these grades do not affect the beauty or the durability of the stone. This is the favourite option for those seeking a diamond that is flawless to the naked eye. In most instances, a VS1 or VS2 diamond is eye-clean just like an “FL” grade, except it costs far less. If you prefer a very good clarity without the heavy price tag, this is the right one for an engagement ring.

GIA-graded SI1 or “Slightly Included 1” clarity diamonds appear clean to the naked eye, with inclusions noticeable to a trained grader under 10x magnification. Typical inclusions include clouds, included crystals, and feathers. Nonetheless, the SI1 grade has, in large parts of the industry, become the standard for eye-clean diamonds and the standard for engagement rings. Most SI1 diamonds are eye-clean when viewed face-up by the unaided eye, though eye-cleanliness ultimately depends on the stone’s carat weight, cut style, and inclusion location.

Depending on the cut or shape of the diamond, the inclusion might be noticeable, for example, with Emerald Cuts, Asscher Cuts, and Baguettes. Some shapes hide the inclusions better than other shapes, especially Round Cut, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Radiant, Marquise, and Pear Shapes, so choose an SI1 or SI2 if you have a budget.

The “Included” grades I1, I2 and I3 include diamonds with inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification or can be seen with the naked eye. These grades also include diamonds in which the inclusions are so numerous that they can affect the diamond’s transparency and brilliance. Inclusions in this range are typically prominent or numerous, and in lower grades (I2 – I3), they can also impact the diamond’s brilliance, transparency, and structural durability.

Inclusions may evoke negative implications in one’s mind, but they are also the identifying characteristics of a diamond and, in essence, the diamond’s fingerprint.

Buying diamonds and engagement rings comes with a lot of pressure. Make sure you are educated and understand how to buy diamonds by reviewing our blog series. Learn about what influences diamond cost and be sure to protect yourself when buying diamonds online, and explore how to choose the perfect diamond based on colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. 

Mark Solomon Jewellers is renowned as one of Cape Town’s leading Jewellery Designers and Manufacturers of exquisite engagement rings using beautiful diamonds. Browse our diamond rings online or contact one of our highly qualified jewellery designers for more information.