CLARITY

Every diamond is unique. Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally-occurring features—know as inclusions—provide a special fingerprint within the stone. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.

To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.

Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.

Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant.

The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.

Clarity Chart

This is what the diamonds look like under 10x magnification:

FL

• Flawless. Shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification
  when observed by an experienced grader. Extremely rare.

IF

• Internally Flawless. Has no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader
  using 10X magnification. Very rare.

VVS1, VVS2

• Very, Very Slightly Included. Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10X magnification.

VS1, VS2

• Very Slightly Included. Contains minute inclusions when observed with effort under
  10X magnification.

SI1, SI2

• Slightly Included. Contains inclusions that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10X magnification.

I1

• Imperfect. Obvious inclusions. Visible without magnification, but not at a quick glance.

I2, I3

• Imperfect. Obvious inclusions. Visible without magnification, and without having
  to look very hard to notice them.