Diamond Clarity Chart: Diamond Color Clarity

A diamond clarity chart measures the flaws and inclusions in the stone by standardizing them against a diamond color clarity scale.
 

Any imperfection inside a diamond is called an inclusion (these are created when the diamond was forming) while  imperfections on the outside of a diamond are called flaws. Cutters will try to remove all the flaws possible, but inclusions cannot be removed since they are on the inside of the stone. The problem with inclusions is that they limit the ability of light to pass through a diamond.

Since diamonds are formed within the earth under intense pressure, imperfections are likely to occur. Most diamonds have a flaw of some sort—it's rare to find one without any—so, the fewer the imperfections, the rarer and more valuable the diamond. It makes sense!

Think of them as a beauty spot. They bring character to the stone and can make a diamond uniquely beautiful (like Cindy Crawford's facial beauty mark). However, in a diamond's case, many of the inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.

The rating system for diamonds, when it comes to clarity, ranges from flawless to imperfect. Flawless diamonds are very rare, even most jewelers haven't ever seen one. 

Diamond Clarity Chart :

As you progress from left to right on the diamond color clarity scale you begin to see more imperfections (or beauty marks) in terms of inclusions. Remember that we are looking at these stones through 10X magnification and these would not be visible to the naked eye.

Anything from VS-1/VS-2 left, are really minor imperfections. From that point on, the further you go to the right on the diamond clarity chart the more likely that the imperfections may start affecting the brilliance and transparency of the stone—which in layman's terms means less bling! However, not all inclusions are equal and some will have much less of an effect than others.

Engaging Tip: Contrary to popular belief, higher clarity does not always mean more beautiful. If the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, a higher clarity does not significantly improve the appearance of a diamond - just the rarity and price.
 

So now when a jeweler talks about the clarity of a diamond,or you see it in a grading certification report, you'll understand what they are referring to. So let's move on and learn about another one of the 4Cs: Diamond Color.

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