When it comes to choosing a diamond, clarity is an important factor that determines its beauty, value, and overall brilliance. For anyone looking to purchase a diamond ring or piece of jewellery, understanding the concept of clarity can help you find the perfect diamond for your taste and budget. At Lords, our experts have created this simple guide to explain the GIA diamond clarity scale, the meaning of inclusions and blemishes, and how to achieve the best value for money when selecting your stone.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence, or absence, of tiny internal or external imperfections formed naturally as a diamond develops deep beneath the earth’s surface under extreme heat and pressure. These internal features are called inclusions, while the external ones are called blemishes. Together, they make up a diamond’s clarity characteristics.
Every diamond is unique. Most diamonds contain some degree of inclusions or blemishes, but these are often so small they are not visible to the naked eye. The fewer and smaller the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade, and typically, the greater the stone’s value.
The GIA Clarity Scale Explained
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the world-standard GIA clarity scale, which is used globally to grade certified diamonds. The GIA diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL), meaning no inclusions or blemishes visible even under 10x magnification, to Included (I1–I3), where inclusions or blemishes are easily visible. Between these two extremes are the intermediate grades, including Internally Flawless (IF), where only minor surface blemishes exist; Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2), which contain minute inclusions extremely difficult to detect; Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2), with minor inclusions visible only to a skilled grader; and Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2), where inclusions are visible under magnification and sometimes to the naked eye. The lowest grades, included (I1–I3), indicate inclusions that are clearly visible and can affect the diamond’s appearance and brilliance.
Despite the rarity of flawless and internally flawless diamonds, many stones with a slightly lower clarity grade still provide exceptional brilliance and excellent value.
How Clarity Affects a Diamond’s Appearance
A diamond’s clarity affects how light passes through it and contributes to its sparkle. In a well-cut diamond, light reflects beautifully between the facets, creating maximum brilliance. However, visible inclusions or blemishes can disrupt this light flow, resulting in small areas of light and darkness or a slight reduction in the diamond’s brilliance.
It’s important to remember that clarity is just one part of the diamond quality equation. Carat weight, diamond’s cut, and diamond shape also play major roles in a diamond’s overall quality and appearance. For example, round brilliant and round diamonds are more forgiving of inclusions due to their sparkle, whereas fancy shapes such as emerald or pear cuts may reveal imperfections more easily because of their pointed corners and larger facet structures.
Balancing Clarity, Carat, and Value
When selecting a diamond, achieving a good balance between clarity grade, carat weight, and cut is essential. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can differ dramatically in price depending on their clarity. A slightly lower clarity grade in a well-cut diamond can often appear identical to a higher grade stone to the naked eye, offering better value.
For instance, a one-carat diamond graded VS2 or SI1 on the GIA clarity scale can look flawless to the naked eye while costing significantly less than a higher-graded stone. This makes it a good value choice for buyers seeking both brilliance and budget consciousness.
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same GIA clarity scale. Lab-grown diamonds are created naturally in controlled environments that replicate the heat and pressure found beneath the Earth’s crust. They share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, and clarity differences are often similar. Choosing between the two depends largely on personal preference, sustainability values, and desired carat weights or diamond shapes.
Choosing the Right Clarity for Your Jewellery
The ideal clarity grade depends on the piece of diamond jewellery you’re purchasing. For engagement rings and round diamonds, clarity grades such as VS2 or SI1 often provide an excellent balance of appearance and price. Smaller stones, such as those used in halo settings or pavé designs, can have more inclusions without affecting the overall look.
When choosing a certified diamond, look for reputable sellers who provide detailed information on the stone’s clarity rating and overall quality. At Lords, every diamond is carefully inspected by Each diamond is graded by a skilled professional and comes with a GIA certificate, ensuring that every client receives a stone of exceptional quality and lasting beauty.
How Lords Helps You Choose the Perfect Diamond
At Lords, we understand that choosing a diamond is one of life’s most meaningful purchases. Whether you are selecting a diamond engagement ring, a bespoke piece of jewellery, or exploring our collection of certified diamonds, our experts provide personal guidance to help you make an informed choice.
We’ll take you through the complete guide to diamond buying explaining carats, cuts, colours, and clarity in detail and help you identify the perfect balance between brilliance, quality, and value for money. We choose our diamonds, from round brilliants to fancy shapes, for their radiance and craftsmanship, ensuring every piece shines with timeless elegance.