Educational Home > Diamond Education > The 4 C's > Clarity
Clarity
Clarity ratings are determined by the amount and visibility of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions consist of tiny pinpoints, markings, and clouding which affect the overall appearance of the diamond. There are two types of flaws within a natural diamond: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions refer to the internal flaws of a diamond and blemishes refer to external or surface flaws.
In general, diamonds with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have a better clarity rating. This increases their brilliance and value. Diamonds with clarity grades VVS1 through SI2 have slight inclusions that may be visible to varying degrees under 10 x magnifications, but are generally not visible to the unaided eye. Diamonds with I1 clarity ratings contain inclusions that are easily seen under 10 x magnifications and may be visible to the unaided eye. Diamonds with I2 and I3 clarities have major inclusions that are easily seen without magnification.

|
FL |
Flawless: No inclusions under 10x. |
IF |
Internally Flawless: No internal imperfections |
VVS1-VVS2 |
Very, Very Slightly Included: Contains minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for an experienced grader to locate under 10x magnification. |
VS1-VS2 |
Very Slightly Included: Contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. |
SI1-SI2 |
Slightly Included: Imperfections are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. |
I1 |
Included: Diamonds with significant inclusions. Best suited for use in diamond jewelry. |
I2-I3 |
Anjolee does not carry I2 and below grade qualities. |
|
|