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Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity is graded according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Clarity Grading Scale. The clarity of a diamond refers to how clean or included the diamond is when viewed under 10x magnification. Most diamonds contain some inclusions, formed during their crystallization process. Inclusions refer to small crystalline fractures or irregular crystal growth in the diamond material, most of which are microscopic in nature and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

 

FL Flawless	IF Internally Flawless minor surface blemishes	VVS1 - VVS2 Very Very Slightly included
VS1 - VS2 Very Slightly Included	SI1 - SI2 - SI3 Slight Inclusions	I1 - I2 - I3 Imperfect eye visible inclusions

Gemologists use grades of clarity to describe the inclusions that may occur within the diamond. These grades are based on a scale that ranges from Internally Flawless (IF) through included (I3). The highest grade of clarity is Flawless (F) or Internally Flawless (IF).
 
The next grade for diamonds is VVS1 and 2, or very very slight inclusions, which are very difficult to see with 10x magnification. These are followed by VS1 and 2, referring to very slight inclusions, also difficult to see with 10x magnification and then SI 1 and 2 for slight inclusions, which are easily seen with 10x magnification, but are clean to the naked eye.
 

The clarity of the stone you purchase will depend on your level of comfort and your budget.