Understanding the 4Cs: Diamond Clarity
What is diamond clarity?
Clarity describes the presence of tiny characteristics within a diamond or on its surface. Internal characteristics are known as inclusions, while those on the surface are called blemishes.
Many of these characteristics are microscopic and have little or no effect on how a diamond appears to the unaided eye. Clarity grading allows us to understand their size, number, position and visibility, and whether they have any meaningful influence on the appearance of the stone.
For us, clarity is therefore less about pursuing microscopic perfection and more about choosing a diamond that looks beautifully clean.
Understanding the diamond clarity scale
Diamond clarity is assessed under 10× magnification. The scale ranges from Flawless diamonds, where no inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader under magnification, through to Included diamonds, where characteristics are much more apparent.
FL · Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10× magnification. These diamonds are exceptionally rare.
IF · Internally Flawless
No inclusions are visible under 10× magnification, although minor surface blemishes may be present.
VVS1–VVS2 · Very, Very Slightly Included
Inclusions are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.
VS1–VS2 · Very Slightly Included
Minor inclusions are visible under 10× magnification but can still be difficult for a skilled grader to identify.
SI1–SI2 · Slightly Included
Inclusions are noticeable under 10× magnification and may sometimes be visible without magnification.
I1–I3 · Included
Inclusions are readily visible under 10× magnification and may affect the diamond's transparency, brilliance or durability.
What determines a clarity grade?
Clarity isn't determined simply by counting inclusions. A gemologist considers several characteristics together to understand how significant they are within the individual diamond.
Size
Larger characteristics will generally have a greater influence on clarity than very small ones.
Number
The number of inclusions and blemishes present is considered alongside their other characteristics.
Position
Where an inclusion sits within the diamond matters. A characteristic beneath the centre of the table may be more noticeable than one positioned towards the edge.
Nature
Inclusions occur in different forms, and the type of characteristic can influence how significant it is to the diamond.
Relief
The degree of contrast between an inclusion and the surrounding diamond affects how easily it can be seen.
This is why two diamonds carrying the same clarity grade are not necessarily identical. The grading report gives us an important measure of clarity, but the characteristics of the individual stone still matter.
How does clarity affect what you see?
The distinction between clarity grades is not always visible without magnification. At higher grades, inclusions can be so small that a diamond appears completely clean to the unaided eye, even though a trained grader can identify characteristics at 10× magnification.
As inclusions become larger, darker or more prominently positioned, they may become easier to see and can begin to affect the way light moves through the diamond. This is why both the grade and the nature of the individual inclusions are important.
Diamond shape can make a difference too. Brilliant-cut shapes such as round, oval and pear have complex facet patterns that can make subtle inclusions less apparent, while the broad, open facets of an emerald cut can make characteristics within the stone easier to see.
Does a Flawless diamond look better?
Not necessarily. Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare, and that rarity carries a premium. But the difference between these grades and a high-clarity VVS or VS diamond is often something identified under magnification rather than something you can see when wearing the diamond.
A carefully selected VVS or VS diamond can therefore appear just as beautifully clean to the unaided eye. The higher grade may make the diamond rarer, but it does not necessarily make it visibly more beautiful.
The True Brilliance standard
At True Brilliance, our standard is VVS2–VS1 clarity. We believe this offers an exceptional balance: diamonds that appear beautifully clean to the unaided eye, with inclusions that are extremely difficult to see even under 10× magnification, without paying the additional premium associated with Flawless or Internally Flawless grades where the distinction is generally only apparent under magnification.
This allows us to consider clarity in balance with the qualities that have a greater influence on how a diamond actually looks — including its cut, colour, carat weight and individual character.
Every True Brilliance diamond is independently certified by IGI, with its clarity grade assessed and recorded on its individual grading report. Our focus is not on microscopic perfection for its own sake, but on selecting a diamond that is exceptional where it matters: in the way it looks.