Diamond Clarity

Clarity determines the purity of a diamond. Sometimes, due to the retention of carbon, a diamond may appear impure. Such natural impurities found in diamonds are called inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the higher the clarity of the diamond, which makes it appear eye-clean, pure and therefore more expensive.

Internally, inclusions may occur in the form of tiny spots, fractures, feathers, etc., while externally they may appear as scratches and fissures. Sometimes an inclusion does not affect a diamond's brilliance or gets easily hidden by its setting. Diamonds with the least or no inclusions are of the highest quality and therefore the most sought after.

GIA Clarity Grading

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has various grading scales to judge the purity of a diamond. They are:

• FL (Flawless): Diamonds that are absolutely flawless, i.e., no inclusions or blemishes are seen by a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
• IF (Internally Flawless): Diamonds that have no inclusions, but slight blemishes appear externally to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
• VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Most sought-after diamonds with very, very small inclusions internally, even difficult for a skilled grader to identify under 10x magnification. They are highly priced as these inclusions are never visible to the naked eye.
• VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Diamonds with very slight inclusions clearly visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification. VS1 and VS2 diamonds are very affordable.
• SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Diamonds with slight inclusions noticeable to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
• I1, I2 and I3 (Included): Diamonds with inclusions obviously visible under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance.

B2C Jewels' Ideal Clarity Grade

If you prefer a diamond with no inclusions visible to the naked eye, then VS1 or VS2 would be an ideal clarity match for you. However, diamonds with SI1 or SI2 clarity are also a neat choice and are generally referred to as eye-clean diamonds.

What is the definition of eye-clean?

We define an eye-clean diamond as one with no inclusions seen in the face-up orientation at a distance of 25cm, under normal lighting, when viewed by a gemologist with 20/20 vision.

Although there is not an industry-standard definition of an eye-clean diamond, our definition is derived from three factors: distance, lighting and vision. For a person with normal 20/20 vision, the 'near point', defined as the closest point that an item can be viewed by the eye without appearing blurry under normal lighting, is 25cm. By incorporating an expectation of 'near point' (25cm) viewing, normal lighting, and 20/20 vision, our definition of 'eye-clean' gives a realistic baseline for all diamonds — whether loose or in a jewelry setting.

B2C Jewels offers loose diamonds with a wide selection of clarity grades to suit your taste and budget.