The clarity grade of a diamond is a measure of the amount and size of the imperfections which can appear in a diamond. An internal flaw is called an inclusion, whereas an imperfection on the exterior of a diamond is known as a blemish. 

Of all of the 4c's, the clarity of a diamond is thought to have the least impact on its overall beauty. Many of the flaws and imperfections which occur in diamonds can be microscopic and therefore can only been seen using a jewellers loupe which enables jewellery makers and gemologists to look at a diamond at 10x magnifications. To ensure that your diamond is eye clean, we recommend a clarity grade of VS2 or above, imperfections in this grade of diamonds will not be visible to the naked eye.

Choosing the right clarity grade can be important when selecting a diamond, especially with certain diamond shapes in which flaws can be very visible, such as emerald cut and asscher cut diamonds.

Diamond with the smallest amount of imperfections are given the highest clarity grades.

Flawless (FL)

A flawless diamond is one which has no internal inclusions or external blemishes, these diamonds are very rare and are usually priced higher than a diamond of a lower clarity grade.

Internally Flawless (IF)

An internally flawless diamond will have no internal flaws, but may have some external blemishes. However, any blemishes will be invisible to the naked eye. This is considered a rare clarity of diamond.

Very Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS1)

A VVS1 diamond will have microscopic imperfections which are invisible to the naked eye. This is considered a very high clarity grade, as any imperfections in a diamond of this clarity grade should not affect the overall beauty of a diamond.

Very Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS2)

A diamond of this cut grade will have slightly more imperfections than a VVS1, however any imperfections should be invisible to the naked eye and very difficult to spot under a 10x magnification loupe.

Very Sightly Included 1 (VS1)

There are some inclusions is a diamond of this clarity grade, however they should be invisible to the naked eye any inclusions present should be dificult to spot under a 10x magnification loupe. 

Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2)

A diamond of this clarity grade will have slightly more inclusions than a VS1, however they are difficult to spot under 10x magnification and should be invisible to the naked eye.

Slightly Included 1 (SI1)

A slightly included diamond will have some imperfections which are detectable to the naked eye, but are very difficult to spot. The imperfections are usually visible under 10x magnification.

Slightly Included 2 (SI2)

A diamond of this clarity will have slightly more inclusions than an SI1 and some inclusions should be visible to the naked eye.

Included (I1, I2, I3)

Inclusions are visible to the naked eye. We do not stock diamonds of these lower clarity grades.