Understanding Diamond Clarity: Evaluating a Diamond’s Natural Characteristics

The clarity of a diamond, one of the essential Four C’s—carat, cut, colour, and clarity—refers to the absence or presence of internal and external characteristics formed during the diamond’s natural creation. These characteristics, known as inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (surface features) are nature’s fingerprints, making each diamond unique.

Diamonds with the fewest inclusions and blemishes are considered rare and highly valuable, as they allow light to pass through the stone more freely, enhancing its transparency and brilliance. Understanding clarity and how it is graded is essential when selecting a diamond that balances both beauty and value.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity evaluates the number, size, position and visibility of inclusions and blemishes within a diamond. While almost all natural diamonds contain some clarity characteristics, most are microscopic and do not affect a diamond’s visual beauty to the naked eye.

The cleaner the diamond appears—especially when viewed from the top—the more it is considered desirable. Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare, which makes them among the most expensive stones in the world. However, many diamonds with small inclusions still appear visually perfect without magnification, offering excellent value for jewellery.

Image credit: GIA.edu

How Diamond Clarity Is Graded

The globally recognised standard for assessing clarity is the GIA International Diamond Grading System™. Diamonds are examined under 10x magnification by skilled graders in controlled lighting conditions. Several factors are considered when assigning a clarity grade:

• Size of the inclusions or blemishes
  

• Nature of the characteristics (type and whether they are internal or external)
  

• Position (location within the diamond, especially if visible through the table or top view)
  

• Colour or relief (contrast against the diamond’s body)
  

• Quantity (how many characteristics are present)
  
  

These factors collectively determine how noticeable the inclusions are and whether they may impact the diamond’s transparency and brilliance.

The GIA Clarity Scale

The GIA Clarity Scale consists of 11 grades, ranging from completely flawless to diamonds with obvious inclusions:

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
  

• Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions, only minute surface blemishes visible under magnification.
  

• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2): Minute inclusions extremely difficult to detect under magnification.
  

• Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Minor inclusions difficult to somewhat easy to detect under magnification.
  

• Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2): Noticeable inclusions under magnification but typically not visible to the naked eye.
  

• Included (I1, I2 & I3): Obvious inclusions under magnification; may affect brilliance and durability.
  
  

Most diamonds available in the market fall within the VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) categories, as they strike a balance between visual beauty and affordability. Diamonds in the FL to VS range are generally considered eye-clean, meaning inclusions are invisible to the unaided eye.

Why Clarity Matters

Clarity directly impacts a diamond’s overall appearance and value. Inclusions can interfere with how light travels through the diamond, reducing brilliance if they are large or poorly positioned. However, in many cases, minor inclusions have minimal impact on a diamond’s sparkle and can often be hidden by clever setting techniques.

At Layla Kaisi Collection, we source only diamonds of the highest clarity grades preferred by our clients. We ensure that inclusions, if present, are not visible from the top-down view, maintaining the diamond’s pristine appearance in its final setting.

The History and Importance of the GIA Clarity Scale

Before the introduction of the GIA clarity grading system, diamond clarity was described using subjective terms such as “loupe clean” or “piqué,” which varied between regions and could easily be misinterpreted.

To standardise diamond evaluation, the Gemological Institute of America developed the GIA Clarity Scale, introducing clear, universally recognised terminology such as VVS1, VS2 and SI1. This system revolutionised the industry, allowing jewellers, buyers and sellers around the world to discuss diamond clarity with consistency and accuracy, regardless of language or location.

Today, the GIA Clarity Scale is considered the global standard for diamond clarity assessment, providing buyers with confidence in understanding and comparing diamonds.

Final Thoughts

Clarity plays a vital role in determining a diamond’s beauty, transparency, and value. While flawless diamonds are incredibly rare, many diamonds with slight inclusions still appear stunning to the naked eye, making them an excellent choice for fine jewellery.

At Layla Kaisi Collection, we use our expertise to evaluate every diamond carefully, ensuring that the clarity grade not only meets but exceeds expectations for brilliance and visual perfection. Our goal is to select diamonds that look exceptional from every angle, perfectly suited to your bespoke design.

Begin your custom or bespoke jewellery journey with LKC today. To deepen your understanding of diamond quality, explore our detailed guides on the Four C’s:

• Understanding Diamond Cut: The Key to Sparkle and Brilliance

• Understanding Diamond Carat: What It Really Means

• Understanding Diamond Colour: The Importance of Purity and Hue

Layla Kaisi Collection

Layla Kaisi Collection is an ultra-luxury jewellery house crafting rare, one-of-a-kind pieces that exist beyond trends. Known for pushing the boundaries of design and sourcing some of the world’s most elusive gemstones, each creation is a masterwork of storytelling and soul. Founded by designer Layla Kaisi, the brand is built on exclusivity, intention, and artistic rebellion—inviting clients into a private world where luxury is felt, not flaunted. From red carpets to private collections, LKC is for those who know true rarity when they see it.

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