Understanding Diamond Clarity: The Third C in Our 4 C's Series
Schwanke-Kasten continues its deep dive into the 4 C's of diamonds with the third installment: clarity.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity describes the presence, or absence, of tiny internal features called inclusions, along with surface-level characteristics known as blemishes. Both form naturally while a diamond is created deep within the earth, and no two diamonds share the exact same pattern. The fewer and smaller these characteristics are, the more freely light can travel through the stone, which directly affects how much sparkle and brilliance you see.
How Diamonds Are Graded
The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) developed an 11-point clarity scale that evaluates the size, number, position, and visibility of every characteristic visible under 10x magnification. Here's how the grades break down:
FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes of any kind, even under magnification. This is the rarest grade a diamond can receive, with the G.I.A. awarding it to fewer than 1 in 5,000 diamonds.
IF (Internally Flawless): No internal inclusions, though minor blemishes may be visible under 10x magnification. Diamonds at this grade are also exceptionally rare, accounting for less than 3% of those graded.
VVS1 / VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are so minor they're difficult to spot even with magnification, and the stone looks essentially identical to an IF diamond to the naked eye.
VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification but remain very hard to detect without it.
SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included): The lowest clarity tier in which inclusions are still typically invisible to the naked eye, making these diamonds a popular choice for value-conscious buyers.
I1 / I2 / I3 (Included): Inclusions are usually visible without magnification and can noticeably affect a diamond's transparency and brilliance.
See It for Yourself
Numbers and grades only tell part of the story — the best way to understand clarity is to see it in person. Visit Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers at our Whitefish Bay location to explore our full selection of diamond engagement rings and find a stone with the clarity, and sparkle, that's right for you.
