What is diamond clarity?

   Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is key to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. It is actually pretty simple to learn the way to grade the clarity of a diamond. You will find basically two things that one should recognize: Diamonds that have visual inclusions and blemishes, and those which are "eye clean" meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be observed with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is additionally broken down into subcategories.

    Lots people mistakenly believe that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn’t so. Clarity in fact refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond. The nicest diamonds, of course receive a grade of FL or IF – Flawless or Internally Flawless – meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I- 1, I- 2 or I- 3 indicates that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I- 3 being the worst.

    Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond is very, very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI- 1 and SI- 2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.