Diamond clarity
Appreciating the importance of a diamond’s clarity
Nearly all diamonds contain their own and utterly unique clarity characteristics
Diamond clarity is one of the areas that comprise what is known as the 4Cs, used together by the GIA to provide accurate and specific certification of individual diamonds. The others are diamond colour, the cut and its carat weight. To discover the detail of each of these, simply click on the term above. You can also find a detailed introduction to the GIA certification process by clicking here.
Diamonds, except for the few that are truly or virtually flawless, exhibit natural inclusions being the foreign substances found inside minerals. Low-quality diamonds will exhibit black carbon, offering a much less desirable level of clarity. The best quality diamonds, purchased directly from the wholesale market by our experienced Kush Diamonds specialists, will only ever show colourless inclusions invisible to the naked eye. This is what sets our diamonds at the highest clarity globally.
Key categories when assessing the clarity of a diamond.
Nearly all diamonds contain their own and utterly unique clarity characteristics. It’s important to know, with this better quality of the stone, that the inclusions are almost always completely invisible unless studied under magnification. The fewer the number of such inclusions, the higher the clarity grade the diamond will then achieve. This will, unsurprisingly, be reflected in its price.
Diamond clarity grade guide
FL: Flawless
Without any evidence of inclusions or blemishes when tested under a ten times magnification process.
IF: Internally Flawless
The only blemishes are small and visible on the diamond’s outer surface.
VVS: Very, Very Slightly included
Contains minute inclusions, difficult to see under 10x magnification even for a skilled grader. Divided into VVS1 and 2 categories.
VS: Very slightly included
Diamonds showing minor inclusions and seen by a grader under the same level of magnification.
SI: Slightly included
The penultimate category is SI: Slightly included – noticeable and easy to see under previously described testing conditions. At Kush SI and SI2 inclusions are not ever visible to the naked eye as we only sell the upper end of this category.
I: Included
The I grade options I1 I2 and I3 represent the lower category of stones visible to the naked eye. These stones show larger inclusions often impacting the brilliance and structure. Kush does not source these for our clients unless upon client request.
Taking time to discuss diamond clarity and more with you
Reading about clarity is one thing - seeing it through a jeweller's loupe is another. Book a complimentary diamond viewing and our Melbourne jewellers will show you the actual differences between clarity grades under magnification. You'll understand exactly what you're paying for and discover which clarity grade offers the best value for your needs.
GIA 4Cs of Diamond Grading
The definition of either cuts and shapes can often appear to be interchangeable when showcasing diamond shapes.
Diamond clarity is one of the areas that comprise what is known as the 4Cs, used together by the GIA to provide accurate and specific certification of individual diamonds.
The appreciation of diamond colour begins with the understanding that "colour" refers to a diamond's whiteness; less colour means a higher grade.
Carat is a term used to describe the weight of a diamond.
