Clarity is defined by the presence of inclusions and other internal characteristics within the diamond and blemishes on the surface of the diamond. Most of us in India have heard phrases like “dosham”, “daag”, etc. when it comes to buying a diamond. All of these phrases refer to the clarity grade of a diamond. This post will discuss Clarity and try to shed some light on this affects the value of a diamond. The GIA Clarity Grading Scale The GIA Clarity Grading Scale is the industry standard for grading clarity and the scale goes as follows 
FL denotes the most perfect diamond – it has no internal characteristics and external blemishes. FL however is extremely rare. Less than 0.01% of the diamonds in the world are graded as FL IF means Internally Flawless. A diamond graded as IF has no internal flaws or inclusions when viewed under 10X magnification. VVS1 & 2 mean Very Very Slightly Included. These diamonds have inclusions that are difficult to spot by a trained gemologist when viewed under a 10X loupe. VS1 & 2 mean very slightly included. The minute inclusions in these diamonds can be spotted easily through a 10X loupe by a trained gemmologist SI1 & 2 are Slightly Included Diamonds. The inclusions in these diamonds are easy to spot under 10x magnification. I1,2 & 3 – Included Diamonds – the inclusions in these diamonds are visible to the naked eye. Not recommended or sold in CaratLane Clarity & what it means to the consumer Clarity is the one C that does not have a significant impact of the beauty of the diamond. It is an invisble characteristic that affects only the value of a diamond and not its beauty. Clarity grades upto to SI are what is termed as “eye clean” which means that the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. Which mean a F SI1 Excellent Cut diamond will be as beautiful as a F VVS1 Excellent Cut Diamond of the same carat weight but the cost could be significantly lower If you are particular about “Dosham” or “Daag” it is safe that you buy only a VVS1 or IF grade diamond. You can be sure that these diamonds not have any black inclusions. There is a possibility that you can get a VVS2 diamond without any black inclusion but do not take this call unless you know your jeweller extremely well . It is very unlikely that you would get a VS2 diamond without a black inclusion. Be wary of people who are trying to sell you VS2 diamonds without black inclusions. It is very possible that the black inclusion is under the prong Clarity gets more relevant as the size of the diamond increases. This is because facets of a larger diamond are larger in size . The size of the inclusions are also larger in a larger diamond. It is therefore more likely that they can be seen. If you are looking to buy a step cut diamond (either an Emerald or an Asscher shape) it is pre preferable at you stay within VS grade. This is because this cutting style consists of large facets and highlights transperancy over sparkle. They encourage the wearer to looking into the diamond and as a result clarity characteristics are more visible in these shapes. 
FL denotes the most perfect diamond – it has no internal characteristics and external blemishes. FL however is extremely rare. Less than 0.01% of the diamonds in the world are graded as FL IF means Internally Flawless. A diamond graded as IF has no internal flaws or inclusions when viewed under 10X magnification. VVS1 & 2 mean Very Very Slightly Included. These diamonds have inclusions that are difficult to spot by a trained gemologist when viewed under a 10X loupe. VS1 & 2 mean very slightly included. The minute inclusions in these diamonds can be spotted easily through a 10X loupe by a trained gemmologist SI1 & 2 are Slightly Included Diamonds. The inclusions in these diamonds are easy to spot under 10x magnification. I1,2 & 3 – Included Diamonds – the inclusions in these diamonds are visible to the naked eye. Not recommended or sold in CaratLane Clarity & what it means to the consumer Clarity is the one C that does not have a significant impact of the beauty of the diamond. It is an invisble characteristic that affects only the value of a diamond and not its beauty. Clarity grades upto to SI are what is termed as “eye clean” which means that the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. Which mean a F SI1 Excellent Cut diamond will be as beautiful as a F VVS1 Excellent Cut Diamond of the same carat weight but the cost could be significantly lower If you are particular about “Dosham” or “Daag” it is safe that you buy only a VVS1 or IF grade diamond. You can be sure that these diamonds not have any black inclusions. There is a possibility that you can get a VVS2 diamond without any black inclusion but do not take this call unless you know your jeweller extremely well . It is very unlikely that you would get a VS2 diamond without a black inclusion. Be wary of people who are trying to sell you VS2 diamonds without black inclusions. It is very possible that the black inclusion is under the prong Clarity gets more relevant as the size of the diamond increases. This is because facets of a larger diamond are larger in size . The size of the inclusions are also larger in a larger diamond. It is therefore more likely that they can be seen. If you are looking to buy a step cut diamond (either an Emerald or an Asscher shape) it is pre preferable at you stay within VS grade. This is because this cutting style consists of large facets and highlights transperancy over sparkle. They encourage the wearer to looking into the diamond and as a result clarity characteristics are more visible in these shapes. 
