Are you confused by all the different clarity descriptions used when shopping for a diamond ring? Well don’t worry, you’re not alone. Diamond clarity is one of the more difficult topics to understand in the whole diamond industry but I will make it simple for you.
In this guide, you will learn what good clarity for a diamond ring is and all the important aspects related to it.
Key Takeaways
- Diamond clarity refers to the measurement of internal or external imperfections of a diamond. It is one of the “Four Cs” that determine a diamond’s value, along with carat weight, color, and cut.
- Clarity is graded on a scale, with the highest grade being “Flawless” (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) and the lowest grade being “Included” (many inclusions and blemishes visible to the naked eye).
- The price of a diamond will generally increase as its clarity grade improves.
- A good clarity for a diamond ring is generally considered to be a diamond with a clarity grade of VS2 or higher. This means that any diamond inclusions or blemishes should be difficult to see even under 10x magnification.
What is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity is one of the “Four Cs” that determine a diamond’s value, along with carat weight, color, and cut.
Diamond clarity is the measure of external blemishes or internal imperfections in a diamond. It is graded on a scale from Flawless to Included, where Flawless is the highest grade and Included is the lowest.
Factors That Affect Diamond’s Clarity
The main factors affecting the clarity rating of a diamond are the number, size, nature, and location of inclusions in a diamond and blemishes within the gem. The less included (or flawlessly clear) a diamond is, the higher its value will be.
What is a Diamond Clarity Chart?
The grading system for clarity was developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the American Gem Society (AGS) to help consumers choose diamonds with a lower probability of having visible inclusions or blemishes (see GIA vs. AGS).
Diamond Clarity Chart
| FL | Flawless |
| IF | Internally Flawless |
| VVS1VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included |
| VS1VS2 | Very Slightly Included |
| SI1SI2 | Slightly Included |
| I1I2I3 | Included |
Diamond clarity is graded on a scale, with the highest grade being “Flawless” (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) and the lowest grade being “Included”.
In between these two grades, there are several other categories, including “Internally Flawless”, “Very, Very Slightly Included”, “Very Slightly Included”, and “Slightly Included”.
What Is a Good Clarity for A Diamond Ring?
The answer to this question depends on personal preference and budget.
A flawless diamond or the best diamond clarity is considered to be the highest quality and therefore the most expensive. However, it’s important to note that these diamonds are incredibly rare and can be very expensive.
A Clarity Grade of VS2
For those on a budget, diamonds with a very slightly included grade can still be beautiful and valuable hence making good clarity for a diamond ring.
These diamonds will have some inclusions and blemishes, but they are typically not visible to the naked eye/ eye clean diamonds. They will be less expensive than a flawless diamond but still have great sparkle and brilliance.
If money is not an issue for you, buy an internally flawless diamond ring or one indicated as IF. You can also buy one with a diamond clarity scale Flawless or FL.
The key is to find a balance between price and quality when buying your own engagement ring. It’s important to remember that a diamond engagement ring is determined by a combination of all the “Four Cs”, not just clarity.
What Is the Best Clarity for A Diamond?
The best clarity for a diamond is Flawless or FL, as it has no external blemishes or internal inclusions. They are very expensive and also rare, as they are considered to be the highest quality diamonds in terms of clarity.
However, it is important to note that as long as a diamond has the best diamond clarity grade; it does not necessarily have to be Flawless or FL. Other grades such as VVS1 and VVS2 also have very few inclusions and blemishes and can still be considered high quality.
Ultimately, the choice between a Flawless or FL diamond and one with a slightly lower diamond clarity scale will depend on personal preference and budget.
What Color Clarity Is the Best with Diamonds?
When it comes to diamonds, color clarity is an important factor to consider. The best color clarity for diamonds is D or colorless. Diamonds with this color reflect white light and produce the best sparkle.
Flawless Diamonds Produce the Best Sparkle
D color diamonds are considered the rarest and most valuable, making them highly sought after by buyers. Flawless diamonds are also considered the most beautiful as they have no visible color and allow the maximum amount of light to pass through, resulting in a brilliant shine.
On the other hand, diamonds with a lower color grade will have a yellow or brown tint, which can affect the overall appearance and value of the stone. In general, the closer a diamond is to being completely colorless, the more valuable it is considered to be. So, D or colourless diamonds are considered the best option when it comes to color clarity.
What Are the Types of Inclusions in Diamond Clarity?
Diamonds are dazzling gems cherished for their beauty, but they also possess imperfections called inclusions. These flaws impact a diamond’s clarity and appearance.
Common types of inclusions include cloudy clusters known as clouds, hazy lines called graining, surface cracks termed cavities, and delicate feather-like cracks. Understanding these inclusions is crucial when evaluating a diamond’s quality.
Seek professional advice and consult the GIA certificate or GIA diamond clarity scale for a deeper understanding of a diamond’s inclusions. Embrace the uniqueness of each diamond, shaped by the interplay of clarity and imperfections.
What Is the Lowest Diamond Clarity You Should Buy?
The lowest diamond clarity that is typically considered acceptable is Slightly Included. Slightly included diamonds have less noticeable flaws under 10x magnification but are not visible to the naked eye.
While these diamonds are less expensive than higher diamond clarity grades, they still have excellent sparkle and fire. As long as the inclusions do not affect the overall appearance of the diamond, they can be a great option for those on a budget.
How Diamond Ring Clarity Affects Pricing?
Clarity greatly influences the price of diamonds, as flawless stones are rarer and command a premium. For instance, a Flawless diamond costs significantly more than a VS2 diamond.
| Carat | Diamond Clarity and Color | Cut | Price |
| 1.0 | I1/H | Ideal | $2,500 to $3,000 |
| 1.0 | SI2/H | Ideal | $3,500 |
| 1.0 | SI1/H | Ideal | $4,000 to $4,500 |
| 1.0 | VS2/H | Ideal | $4,600 to $5,300 |
| 1.0 | VS1/H | Ideal | $5,500 to $6,000 |
| 1.0 | VVS2/H | Ideal | $6,500 |
| 1.0 | VVS1/H | Ideal | $7,000 |
| 1.0 | 1F/H | Ideal | $7,800 |
However, choosing an eye-clean diamond at a lower clarity grade, like VS2 or SI1, allows you to save money. Invest in an excellent cut or a larger carat size instead, as these features have a more visible impact on the diamond’s brilliance. Prioritize what’s visible to the naked eye for a stunning diamond without overspending.
How Are Clarity Grades Determined?
It’s important to note that diamonds are formed under intense extreme pressure and heat. This process of diamond formation causes internal and external imperfections, which are known as inclusions and blemishes. The more included or blemished a diamond is, the less valuable it will be.
Internal inclusions are small imperfections that are sometimes seen as tiny dots or lines within the body of a diamond when viewed under magnification. While no two diamonds are exactly alike, they can be classified by their level of perfection in comparison to each other.
The number, size, nature, and location of inclusions and blemishes are the main factors that affect a diamond’s clarity grade.
Size
Larger inclusions and blemishes will generally result in a lower diamond clarity grade, while smaller, less visible inclusions and blemishes will result in a higher clarity grade.
Number
The fewer the number of inclusions, the higher the clarity grade will be. Similarly, the smaller the size of the inclusions, the higher the clarity grade will be.
The Nature
The nature of the inclusions and blemishes also play a role in determining clarity grade. If they are white and feather-like, they will be less noticeable than if they are black and crystal-like.
The Location
The location of inclusions and blemishes is also important, as those that are located near the surface or in the center of the diamond will be more visible and result in a lower clarity grade.
FAQs on Diamond Clarity Rating
Diamond clarity plays a significant role in a diamond’s quality. Here are some frequently asked questions answered to help you understand its importance and make informed choices.
How Important Is Clarity in A Diamond?
Clarity in a diamond is crucial, but it becomes most significant when it drops to levels where flaws are visible to the naked eye. Regardless of the diamond’s carat weight, considering a diamond’s clarity grade is essential. Flaws become noticeable when the clarity grade falls below SI1 and SI2.
Is VS1 or VS2 Better?
VS1 is far better than VS2. The key difference lies in how easily impurities are spotted. VS2 diamonds may have slightly more visible imperfections than VS1 diamonds. VS1 diamonds tend to have fewer and smaller inclusions, making them slightly better in terms of clarity.
How to Tell the Clarity of A Diamond?
The highest clarity rating is Flawless (F), with no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10X magnification. Diamond clarity is typically assessed using a 10X microscope and the trained naked eye. The visibility, location, and nature of inclusions determine the diamond’s clarity grade.
How to Choose Diamond Color and Clarity?
Finding the right balance between your preferences and budget is key. While color relates to the diamond’s tint, clarity deals with imperfections. Most people aim for a white diamond free of visible inclusions, achieving both beauty and value.
Which Is More Expensive VS1 or VVS1?
VVS1 diamonds are generally more expensive than VS1 diamonds due to fewer inclusions. VVS1 diamonds have minimal inclusions, barely affecting their appearance when viewed under a 10x loupe. VS1 diamonds offer a balance between quality and price, making them a popular choice. VVS diamonds are prized for their superior clarity.
Wrapping UP
When it comes to buying diamond jewelry, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a diamond that is perfect or eye clean diamond, then you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium for the best diamond clarity
If you’re looking for a beautiful diamond that is more affordable, then a diamond with a slightly included clarity grade may be the best option for you. It’s important to check the diamond in person before purchasing it to ensure that you are comfortable with the level of inclusions it has.