Diamond Clarity

Virtually all diamonds contain small imperfections inside the diamond (called inclusions), or on its surface (called blemishes). Clarity refers to the degree to which these imperfections are present. Diamonds which contain numerous or significant inclusions or blemishes have less brilliance because the flaws interfere with the path of light through the diamond. Most diamonds have flaws which cannot be seen except using 10x magnification - which is how diamonds are graded.

The position of an inclusion affects how easily it can be seen. Diamond cutters make every effort to cut a stone so that inclusions are not visible through the table of the finished diamond. When a diamond is graded, the number and nature of any internal characteristics in the stone are evaluated as well as their size and position. This analysis is carried out using a scope and a loupe under the experienced eye of laboratory gemologists. A diamond is said to be "Internally Flawless" when it presents no internal defects under 10x magnification. Diamonds which have no inclusions or blemishes are incredibly rare in nature.

Almost all diamonds are graded for clarity using the 11 point diamond clarity scale created by the GIA. In grading diamond clarity, the GIA considers the number, size, color, reflectivity, and position of every flaw visible under 10x magnification.