Diamond Clarity

What does Diamond Clarity mean?

A diamond clarity refers to how visually pure and clean the stone is. This is determined by the amount of imperfections detected on the stone by magnification. As each stone is unique, it is important to identify the clarity of the stone to understand its value. Internally found lines or marks can ultimately effect the light refractions within the stone which can make it look cloudy.

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Scale for Diamond Clarity

Why Does Clarity Matter?

Clarity is important to determine has it helps to ensure you are getting a stone that reflects its price tag and aren’t getting over charged for a low clarity stone. 

Most blemishes cannot be seen by the naked eye, but the less internal characteristics the more valuable the stone will be.

5 factors are considered when determining a stones clarity. These include:

  – The number of imperfections

  – The size of blemishes

  – The nature of the characteristics (and whether it effects the durability of the diamond)

  – Where it is on the stone and the noticeable contrast the imperfection has compared to the rest of the stone

The Different Types of Clarity

Clarity rating ranges from Flawless (F) to Included (I).

Less than 1% of all diamonds are rated Flawless (F) as they show zero imperfections under 10x magnification. Flawless and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are incredibly rare and wildly expensive.

Very Very Slight Included (VVS1) (VVS2) show incredibly tiny blemishes that are only visible under a microscope. 

Very Slightly Included (VS1) (VS2) also show very minor inclusions that are only visible under magnification. The difference between VVS1 and VS1 are very small (except for a major price difference). It is generally not necessary to go above VS1 unless you want a really perfect stone or you want a step cut stone like emerald where inclusions are slightly more visible.  

Slightly Included (SI1) (SI2) (SI3) show minimal inclusions that are barely visible to the naked eye. Any rating below Slightly Included (SI1) means the imperfection is visible without magnification.

Included (I) diamonds have obvious inclusions that are eye-visible. These inclusions may potentially impact or deflect the level of light reflected within the stone. 

Love Diamond’s Requirement for Clarity

Clarity rating ranges from Flawless (F) to Included (I).

At Love Diamonds all our high quality diamond rings offer ethically sourced good clarity diamonds. We will only ever use a stone that has incredible fire and scintillation to ensure that you will have as much sparkle as possible in your diamond ring. 

As all our diamonds are eye clean, any inclusions will only be visible through magnification for VS2 and above.

Message us to speak with a diamond specialist


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