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Clarity

Diamond Education Image
FL IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1
The clarity of a diamond is the measure of small imperfections on the outside and inside of the stone. Internal imperfections are known as inclusions, whereas surface imperfections are known as blemishes. Since most inclusions are invisible to the unaided eye, they usually have little effect on the beauty of a fancy diamonds. Diamonds Deller often refers to inclusions as inner features as opposed to defects. The character of a natural diamond is derived from its intrinsic characteristics. It is also worth noting that the diamonds with the fewest and smallest inclusions are given the highest clarity ratings, which is reflected in the higher prices.

 

Diamond Clarity Spans 5 Categories

The GIA diamond grading scale is divided into 5 categories and 11 diamond clarity grades.

I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds

  • I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
  • Shiv Shambu does not sell I clarity grade loose diamonds for engagement ring designs
  • Shiv Shambu does offer a limited selection of jewelry preset with I1 diamonds

SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds

  • Inclusions are noticeable at 10x magnification
  • If eye clean, SI diamonds are often the best value
  • SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side

VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds

  • Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification
  • Great value; Shiv Shambu’s most popular diamond clarity

VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds

  • VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification
  • VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance
  • Characteristics are minuscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye

Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds and Flawless (FL) Diamonds

Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope on IF diamonds

  • IF diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics set the grade
  • Visually eye clean
  • No internal or external characteristics
  • FL clarity
  • A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions