Jan
06
Diamond Clarity Chart
Posted by: | Comments
This Page Sponsored By:
If you’re out there looking for the best diamond for your money, then please contact me and let me know your budget and what you’re looking for. I’ll sift through thousands of diamonds online and send you a list of 4 or 5 suggested stones to choose from that fit your needs the best. Unlike the other sites, I’m not looking to sell you anything – my advice is objective and in your best interest. The service is free, and there is absolutely no commitment to buy any of my suggestions. You have nothing to lose! (If you’re wondering why I do this, see my article entitled “Truth About TruthAboutDiamonds.com.”
As a newcomer to the diamond world, it can be quite intimidating learning all this new information. Â Sifting through the various diamond clarity grades in particular can certainly be confusing. Â I have already penned an article covering diamond clarity in general and how it is commonly overvalued, an article covering each of the four most common clarity grades: VS1 Clarity, VS2 Clarity, SI1 Clarity, and SI2 Clarity, and an article providing a quick review of the diamond clarity grades.
I decided, though, that in order to complete the discussion of diamond clarity, I needed to provide one simple diamond clarity chart to easily and clearly explain the different clarity grades.
The chart below contains real magnified sample images of GIA certified diamonds. Â I have chosen to use Asscher Cut Diamonds and Emerald Cut Diamonds for the sample images, since these step-cut shapes show inclusions the clearest.
(Many thanks to James Allen and Good Old Gold for providing the real diamond images shown in this chart)
| Clarity Grade | Description | Sample |
| IF – FL | Internally Flawless / FLawless – No internal or external imperfections. Â Flawless diamonds are extremely rare.If you see anything at all on diamonds with a Flawless clarity grade, you can be assured that it is merely dust. Â For example, if you click on the sample image to the right, you’ll notice on the left-most edge, there is a tiny speck. Â That tiny speck, if it were an inclusion inside the diamond would probably render the stone a VVS2.You can view the sample diamond’s original page on James Allen here: 2.09 Carat G-IF Ideal Cut Asscher Diamond |  |
| VVS1 | Very Very Slightly Included (1stDegree) – Diamond clarity inclusions rated VVS1 are not visible at all under 10x magnification. Â These tiny pinpoints can only be seen under a powerful microscope.For the VVS Clarity grades, I don’t think it’s worthwhile to offer a sample diamond, since anyway, it would be impossible to tell using James Allen’s magnified images whether a certain dot is an inclusion or a piece of dust. Â Furthermore, a regular photograph, even a magnified one, can only focus on one level of depth. If a VVS-size inclusion is in a diamond, and the image is focused on a different layer of depth, there is no chance the pinpoint inclusion will be visible. |  |
| VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included (2ndDegree) – Diamond clarity inclusions rated VVS2 are sometimes just barely visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe).  When they are visible, they are quite difficult to find and can often take quite a while to locate.Generally, however, you need a gemological microscope to identify a VVS2 inclusion since, often, the inclusion pattern is not one larger speck, but a few separate VVS1 sized spots that collectively equal a VVS2 clarity grade.  Since each of the individual spots are too small to be seen with a jeweler’s loupe, one needs a microscope to identify them. |  |
| VS1 | Very Slightly Included (1stDegree) – VS1 diamond clarity inclusions are just barely visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). Â When looking for VS1 clarity inclusions with a loupe, it can sometimes take a good few seconds until the pinpoint is located.Unlike VVS2 clarity inclusions, a microscope is never needed to locate a VS1. Â As you can see on the sample diamond to the right, a VS1 clarity inclusion is still quite small and will never be visible to the naked eye. Â If you have trouble seeing the inclusion in small sample picture to the right, click on the photo to enlarge it.You can view the original diamond belonging to the sample image to the right on James Allen here: 1.03 Carat E-VS1 Ideal Cut Asscher Diamond |  |
| VS2 | Very Slightly Included (2ndDegree) – VS2 clarity inclusions are almost always easily noticeable at 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). Â Occasionally, the inclusion will be located in a difficult-to-spot location, but otherwise, the inclusion is large enough that it can be spotted quickly under magnification.VS2 Clarity inclusions are almost always clean to the naked eye. Â The sample photo on the right is somewhat of an extreme example. Â I specifically looked for a VS2 that was black and in the center of the stone to more easily illustrate the size of a VS2 inclusion. Â The inclusion in the sample photo might very well be visible to the naked eye as a result of it being black, in the center, and in an emerald cut (which do not mask inclusions at all).You can view the original diamond in the sample photo on James Allen here: 2.36 Carat F-VS2 Ideal Cut Emerald Diamond |  |
| SI1 | Slightly Included (1st Degree) – SI1 Clarity inclusions are easily found with a standard jeweler’s loupe at 10x magnification. Â With most shapes (to the exclusion of step cuts like Asscher and Emerald Cuts), SI1 clarity inclusions are almost always clean to the naked eye.As with the VS2 sample above, the diamond chosen for the sample picture of an SI1 clarity inclusion is an extreme example chosen to show the maximum size and worst possible color of an SI1. Â One must remember that a clarity grade can be based on many different inclusion points within a diamond. Â It is less common (especially for SI1 and lower) that the clarity grade is based on one concentrated inclusion. Â Usually, there are a number of smaller spots and clouds of tiny spots that make up the clarity grade. Â In these cases, since each individual inclusion is very small, the diamond looks clean to the naked eye.Click Here – 3.10 Carat G-SI1 Ideal Cut Emerald Diamond – to view the original page of the diamond belonging to the sample photo. |  |
| SI2 | Slightly Included (2ndDegree) – SI2 clarity inclusions are seen clearly and obviously with the help of a jeweler’s loupe.  With step cuts like Emerald and Asscher cuts, an SI2 clarity inclusion will most likely be visible to the naked eye (as is the case with the diamond in the sample photo on the right).  With other brilliant shapes (basically all the other common shapes), an SI2 clarity inclusion will usually be clean to the naked eye.As with the SI1 sample photo above, I specifically chose a concentrated black center inclusion to illustrate just how bad an SI2 can get.  A center black SI2 on an Emerald Cutis about as bad as an SI2 as there is.  As I mentioned above regarding an SI1, in most cases, the SI2 clarity grade is made up of several (or many) smaller inclusions.  In these cases, since the SI2 is spread out all over the stone, and not concentrated in any one area, the diamond is usually eye clean.You can view the original page belonging to the diamond in the sample photo here: 1.18 Carat G-SI2 Premium Cut Emerald Diamond |  |
| I1 | Included (1st Degree) – I1 clarity inclusions are even more obvious and clearly seen than SI2 clarity inclusions. Â Most I1 inclusions are visible to the naked eye – even on brilliant cuts. Â I1 clarity inclusions are so obviously visible on step cuts (Asscher Cuts & Emerald Cuts) that you rarely see them produced. Â In fact, at the time of this article’s writing, James Allen had a total of only six I1 clarity Emerald cuts 0.90 carats and higher. Â They had no I1 clarity Asscher cuts in stock (any weight). Â This is why the sample picture to the right features a princess cut diamondand not a step cut.Just because the sample picture on the right is as hideous as it is doesn’t mean you can’t find a perfectly eye-clean beautiful I1 clarity diamond. Â Just see my Daily Diamond selections with the I1 Clarity tag for numerous examples of such diamonds. Â As I mentioned above, most clarity grades are comprised of several to many smaller inclusions spread out over the area of the diamond. Â In such cases, the I1 clarity inclusion will be much less noticeable to the naked eye, if at all. Â Concentrated black inclusions in the center of the diamond are the exception, not the rule. Â I show them here in this diamond clarity chartsimply to show how bad each clarity grade can get.If you’d like to see where the sample picture to the right came from, click here: 3.55 Carat E-I1 Premium Cut Princess Diamond |  |
I am considering buying a 10 carat cushion cut, Clarity I1, color J (Lab is EGL)and received a price of $125,000.00. I was told by a different Jeweler that the price would be fair if the clarity was a SI2, but because it is an I1, the price should be about $80,000.00. Is this correct? What would be the rough estimate of a fair price? Thank you.
Hi Ally. Have you seen this diamond up close? An EGL J I1 is going to be a very included stone with a noticeable yellow tint. And yes, the price is very very high for what you described. Are you on the islands now on vacation (I’m guessing based on your IP address)? If yes, please please do not buy there. I get emails ALL THE TIME from people who’ve deeply regretted buying diamonds on the islands while on vacation. It’s a complete scam the way they deal with people like you there.
If you want to spend that much on a diamond, then please go home, take a week to get back into your normal life, and then get back in touch with me. You shouldn’t spend this kind of money in a rush while you’re on vacation.
Hello,
I’ve been reading your site for awhile. I was wondering if you think this is a good buy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86594237/diamond-vintage-wedding-set-1940s
My brother, who is a manager at an upscale jewelry store, says that it’s a pretty decent deal. I realize I would have to get the prongs reset – maybe totally redone in platinum.
I’m meeting the seller soon to gauge the set for myself before purchasing it. With our budget, this looks like the best deal I’ve found yet…and I’ve been searching for months.
Thank you for your help
If the diamond really is what it says it is, it could be a great deal. The only problem is that there’s no way to really know. You also don’t know what the cut quality is like. Plus, take into account that old gold gets very brittle. I made the mistake of getting my wife a real antique engagement ring and it broke after a couple of years and a few side stones fell out.
Hi Ira,
Thank you for your quick answer!
Fair enough – I will find out tomorrow. Is there any way I could test the gold by sight or touch, or would I have to take it to a jeweler? Would replating it work (to protect the gold a bit; i know plating doesn’t add to the strength of the gold),until I can afford to have it recast, or set in a new setting?
Not that I know of! But I’m really the wrong person to ask. I know very little about gold – my professional knowledge is limited to the loose diamond trade.
Hi Ira,
I know this is an impossible question however I have been offered a GIA certified diamond for approx $29500 dollars (GG SI1, 2.18ct with excellent cut, symmetry and polish, no fluorescence, 60% table 60% depth. When I look at the GIA certificate online I see that most of the inclusions are directly on the table of the diamond. Will these be seen with a naked eye or would you avoid this?
Hi Caroline. No way to tell, but it sounds like that stone is expensive. See here for comparison:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1426543.asp
Ira… how do you like this combination. Would you improve at the same/similar price?
I’m wanting these to really shine.
best! Kev.
Setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-three-stone-ring/2-carat-white-gold-three-stone-diamond-ring.html
Center: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1431795.asp
Left: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1424936.asp
Right: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1380771.asp
Hi Kevin. This isn’t a good combination because the stones don’t match. The table and depth %s need to be similar otherwise the stones will look different. Here’s what I suggest:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/matching-pairs/view.asp?item1=1427683&item2=1436430 – that combo for the side stones
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1438983.asp – for the center stone
Hi, I don’t know too much about what combination of the 4 C’s works best. Is this a good buy? overpriced? poor quality? It is only for the ‘loose diamond’…not part of a ring…yet. Thanks!
Price: $3,837
Carat: 0.93
Shape: round
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Cut: ‘very good’
It also said the fluorescence was “strong”
GIA certification
Hi Rachel. See my article about Diamond Fluorescence.
So is having the “Strong” Fluorescence the reason that this diamond is cheaper than other ones that have No fluorescence, but the same 4 C’s?
I really appreciate your feedback! …And this Site! …very informative
Yep. That’s definitely the reason.
this ring is being offered to me at $1575. Is that a good price? http://www.rubylane.com/item/494298-12311C/18K-White-Gold-Diamond-Engagement
Hard to tell. The stone isn’t certified. I will say this, though – the craftsmanship on the ring is poor. The upper prong in the picture is completely and obviously not symmetrical. Also, the cut on the marquise stone isn’t nice. It’s too stubby.
Hi, Are these a good buy?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130586872484
All I really have to spend is about $200 no more than $250! Help me out please
Those are very low quality and will probably look like it, unfortunately.
Is this a good buy? http://www.worldjewels.com/_e/Engagement_Rings/product/e-331/3_1_2_Carat_Diamond_Engagement_Ring.htm
Is the center stone certified? If not, then avoid it at all costs!
Well according to the website it is certified.
Yes, but what kind of cert? That makes all the difference! If it’s EGL or worse, it’s just as bad as having no cert (or worse)!
My soon to be husband’s budget is 3,000. I like white gold or platinum. I do not prefer a solitary ring. I like 2 piece sets with one whole stone and several small stones. Inaddition, I must pick out one this weekend! Where can I find the best bang for my buck? When it comes to value, is the carots or clarity more important in value?
Hi Tori. I’m happy to help. Does the $3000 budget need to include a wedding ring, e-ring setting, and a center stone?