Diamond Shopping Guide - Clarity

Clarity = flaws

Blemishes – flaws on the stone like scratches and chips
Inclusions – flaws in the stone like bubbles and cracks
Plot of inclusions – the unique blemishes and inclusions on your diamond

*Note: for the purpose of diamond grading, all flaws are referred to as inclusions.

A Diamond's clarity is usually determined using 10X loupe magnification. Inclusions interfere with the light dispersion through the diamond, thus affecting it's brilliance. The fewer inclusions, the more beautiful a diamond is considered. Grades range from "F" (flawless) to "I3" (inclusions are very visible). Most diamonds have flaws, but stones with few or no inclusions or blemishes are worth more because they are rare.

Here's how diamond clarity grading works:

• F – Flawless. These diamonds have no internal or external flaws and are extremely rare.
  
• IF – Internally Flawless. These stones have no inclusions, but some blemishes. They're also very rare.
  
• VVS1, VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included. Small inclusions visible only with detailed examination under magnification.
  
• SI1, SI2 – Slightly Included. Small inclusions more easily see under magnification.
  
• I1, I2, I3 – Inclusions visible under magnification as well as the naked eye.

Remember a diamond doesn't have to be flawless to be brilliant. For grades F-SI a diamond's clarity only affects the diamond's value, not the stones appearance to the naked eye.

Though inclusions are thought to be undesirable, they can also serve as identifying characteristics. No two stones are exactly the same, so with a diamond's plot you'll have unique identifying characteristics about your particular diamond.