NATURE'S FINGERPRINT

DIAMOND CLARITY

Diamond clarity evaluates the natural internal and external characteristics formed within a diamond. These features, known as inclusions and blemishes, vary in number, size, position and visibility. Clarity grading helps describe how noticeable these characteristics are under magnification and how they may affect a diamond’s appearance.

WHAT IS DIAMOND CLARITY?

Diamond clarity describes the presence of natural internal characteristics, called inclusions, and external characteristics, called blemishes. These features are evaluated by their size, number, position, nature and visibility. Because every diamond forms differently, its clarity characteristics are part of its unique identity.

  • FL / IF — FLAWLESS / INTERNALLY FLAWLESS

    The highest clarity grades. FL diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes visible at 10× magnification, while IF diamonds show no internal inclusions.

  • VVS1 / VVS2 — VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED

    Minute inclusions are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to locate under 10× magnification.

  • VS1 / VS2 — VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED

    Minor inclusions are visible under magnification but are generally difficult to see without close examination.

  • SI1 / SI2 — SLIGHTLY INCLUDED

    Noticeable inclusions are visible under 10× magnification and, depending on their size and position, may sometimes be visible without magnification.

  • I1 / I2 / I3 — INCLUDED

    nclusions are obvious under magnification and may affect transparency, brilliance or durability depending on their severity.

INCLUSIONS & BLEMISHES

Clarity characteristics fall into two categories: inclusions, which are internal features found within a diamond, and blemishes, which are external marks on the surface. Their size, number, position and visibility help determine a diamond’s clarity grade.

  • CRYSTAL

    A crystal is a mineral inclusion trapped inside the diamond during formation. Depending on its size and position, it may be difficult to see or more noticeable under magnification.

  • FEATHER

    A feather is a small internal fracture that often appears wispy or feather-like. Many feathers are harmless, though larger ones can affect durability depending on location.

  • CLOUD

    A cloud is a group of very small pinpoint inclusions clustered together. If dense, clouds can reduce transparency and make a diamond appear hazy.

  • NEEDLE

    A needle is a long, thin inclusion that resembles a tiny rod. Most are subtle, but several together may become easier to detect.

  • CAVITY

    A cavity is a small opening on the diamond’s surface, often caused when an internal crystal falls out during cutting or polishing.

  • SCRATCH / POLISH MARK

    These are surface blemishes rather than internal inclusions. They can appear as fine lines or marks created during wear or polishing

LOCATION MATTERS

Not all inclusions affect a diamond in the same way. An inclusion near the edge may be less noticeable and can sometimes be concealed by a prong, while an inclusion beneath the table or near the center of the stone may be more visible. Position, size, type and contrast all influence how a clarity characteristic affects the diamond’s appearance.

EYE-CLEAN VS. TECHNICALLY CLEAN


A diamond can have inclusions visible under 10× magnification yet still appear completely clean to the naked eye. This is often referred to as “eye-clean.” A technically higher clarity grade does not always create a visibly more beautiful diamond in everyday viewing. What matters is whether the inclusions can be seen without magnification and whether they affect brilliance, transparency or durability.

BEYOND THE GRADE

THE ANGELICA PERSPECTIVE


At Angelica Jewellers, clarity is evaluated as part of the diamond as a whole—not simply as a grade printed on a certificate. We look at the type, size, position and visibility of each inclusion, how it affects transparency and light performance, and whether it has any impact on the stone’s structural integrity.

Two diamonds carrying the same clarity grade can present very differently. An inclusion hidden near the girdle may have little visual impact, while a similar inclusion beneath the table can be far more noticeable. For this reason, we examine the actual diamond rather than relying solely on its laboratory grade.


Our objective is to select diamonds that appear clean, bright and beautifully balanced in the finished piece. A higher clarity grade is not automatically the better choice if the difference cannot be appreciated with the naked eye. We prefer to place value where it can truly be seen—in the diamond’s beauty, performance and overall quality.