Clarity, one of the 4Cs of a diamond (cut, color, clarity, and carat). A diamond’s clarity is a measure of the presence or absence of imperfections, called ‘inclusions’. Inclusions can be formed by errant crystals within or on the surface of the diamond.
Depending on the size, location and visibility, these inclusions affect the brilliance of the finished stone, and the value of the diamond is less when they are more visible. Any imperfections seen by the naked eye would dramatically reduce the value of the stone, and they are easier to spot when the stone is larger in size.
A clarity scale, invented in the 1950s, is used as the universal standard for measuring clarity and uses the following levels: ‘flawless’ (FL); ‘very very slightly included'(VVSL); ‘very slightly included’ (VSL); ‘slightly included’ (SIL); and ‘included’ (I). The higher the clarity, the rarer the diamond.
GIA Clarity, Color & Cut Scale Chart
