CLARITY

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. The clarity can significantly impact a diamond’s value.

Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. If you are trying to determine what is your best clarity for a diamond, remember that no diamond is perfectly flawless. But the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity. If you want to get the best value for your money, aim to have an eye-clean diamond. HONN offers diamond clarity grades from SI2 to FL.

The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.

Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity. A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions.

Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Less than 1% of all diamonds are IF clarity. Visually eye-clean.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance. Great value and they are HONN’s most popular diamond clarity.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor. You can be sure that they’ll always be EYE CLEAN so VS clarity diamonds offer great value for money. A choice of VS or higher are much rarer and therefore command greater pricing premiums, and also tend to perform better as an investment.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification. A part of this clarity has some form of visible inclusion or blemish to the naked eye. It is important your selected diamond is eye clean, which will be a budget-friendly pick. 

Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance. I1 is the last clarity grade where eye-clean diamonds exist, but not all of them. I2 and I3 diamonds are never eye-clean. Due to the high level of inclusions here, we do not recommend this clarity grade for jewelry.

Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS1 and an SI2 diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality. This is why expert and accurate assessment of diamond clarity is extremely important. Knowing what diamond clarity truly means helps you understand the factors that contribute to diamond quality and price. 

Types Of Diamond Inclusions:

Clouds, Feathers, Crystals or minerals, Knots, Cavities, Cleavage, Internal graining

Types Of Blemish:

Polish lines, Scratches, Nicks, Pits, Chips, Breaks, Dark or light spots