Clarity

Due to minute traces of minerals trapped in a diamond during the crystallization process, every diamond is unique. These natural characteristics, called inclusions or blemishes, give the diamond its own individuality. Clarity refers to the number, color, size, and position of the inclusions. To determine a diamond's clarity grade, it is viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained diamond grader. A flawless diamond has no external blemishes or inclusions. The closer to flawless a diamond is, everything else being equal, the greater the value of that stone.

• Flawless (FL)
  No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
• Internally Flawless (IF)
  No inclusions and only minor blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
  Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
  Inclusions are clearly visible under 10× magnification but can be characterized as minor
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
  Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
• Imperfect (I1, I2, and I3)
  Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance