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Clarity in Diamonds ~ One of the Four C’s


Internal Features

Few things in nature are absolutely perfect. This is as true of diamonds as anything else. Diamonds have internal features called inclusions, and surface irregularities called blemishes. Together, they’re called clarity characteristics. Clarity is the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes.


Among other things, blemishes include scratches and nicks on a diamond’s surface. Inclusions are generally on the inside, and some might break the surface of the stone. Sometimes, tiny diamond or other mineral crystals are trapped inside a diamond when it forms. Depending on where they’re located, they might remain after the stone has been cut and polished, and they can affect a diamond’s appearance.

Diamond Terms 

Diamond professionals use a set of terms that originally included very very slightly imperfect, very slightly imperfect, slightly imperfect, and included. These terms were shortened to the initials VVS, VS, SI, and I. The abbreviations are now accepted throughout the international diamond community.

Eye Clean

As a consumer don’t judge a diamond totally on it’s specifications. It should be what a jeweler calls “eye clean”, which means what the naked eye can see, with plenty of sparkle. It shouldn’t be cloudy or have visible inclusions. And any inclusions at the center of the stone should be avoided! Is there an inclusion on the side that could be covered with a prong? Your jeweler can help with these decisions.

Clarity is one of the factors that proves bigger is not necessarily better in a diamond. A clean, sparkly 1/2 carat stone is much more appealing than a 3/4 carat stone that’s cloudy…

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