The Ultimate Diamond Guide: Uncovering the Secrets of Flawless Gems

When popping the big question (yes, women propose too), everyone aims for a memorable moment in their special someone’s life. Everything must be perfect: the scene, the ambiance, and the sparkling engagement ring, symbolizing love. Many romantic individuals are drawn to the idea of finding the perfect loose diamond. Naturally, the flawless diamond (or FL diamond), considered the pinnacle of diamond clarity, is what first comes to mind.

What is a Flawless (FL) Diamond?

A flawless (FL) diamond means it is perfect both internally and externally. These diamonds are the clearest, devoid of any inclusions or surface blemishes. Truly flawless diamonds are incredibly rare and, as a result, very valuable. How rare are they? It’s estimated that D color (colorless), flawless diamonds constitute merely 0.001% of the global diamond production. Since no natural diamond forms under ideal, controlled conditions, they can’t be 100% flawless with no traces of other minerals and elements. (This differs from lab-created diamonds, made under strictly controlled conditions.) However, diamonds are deemed flawless if no visible imperfections are detected in or on them at a certain magnification ratio.

Only a seasoned jeweler or appraiser can accurately identify flawless diamonds. Even someone knowledgeable about jewelry might miss small blemishes in diamond clarity and imperfections in the stone’s facets, which could lower a diamond’s clarity grade below that of FL. Even the most trained eyes can overlook a detail or two when grading what seems like a flawless diamond.

Clarity is one of the four major C’s of diamond purchasing, alongside cut, color, and carat.

Watch our company founder assist you in determining which combination of the 4 C’s will provide the best diamond for your budget.

Flawless vs. Internally Flawless

Internally flawless (IF) diamonds are just as rare and precious as flawless ones, typically commanding similar prices. An internally flawless diamond can only be identified by a skilled professional. Unlike flawless diamonds, internally flawless diamonds may have surface blemishes. Special equipment and further examination are needed to determine if a blemished gem classifies as IF. For more on the similarities and differences between these two stones, read our comprehensive guide to flawless versus internally flawless diamonds.

Flawless Diamond vs VVS

If torn between a flawless diamond and a VVS grade diamond, consider the following: a VVS1 diamond closely matches a flawless diamond. VVS2 diamonds have more inclusions than VVS1 stones. VVS diamonds have inclusions visible under magnification but generally appear clean to the naked eye. Choosing between them boils down to how much you mind unseen inclusions. Opt for a VVS diamond if you’re okay with inclusions visible only under magnification, saving significant money. An expert gemologist can help you find the ideal VVS stone that meets your goals and budget.

Is it Worthwhile to Spend Extra on a Flawless Diamond?

If you desire nothing but the best for your beloved at the proposal, a flawless diamond is unparalleled. Envy will follow as they flaunt their perfect, flawless diamond engagement ring. While these diamonds come with hefty price tags, their value is unmatched for those wishing to make their partner feel like royalty. However, going down a clarity grade or two—which appears clean to the naked eye—allows you to maximize other factors like perfect color or larger carat size. Balance the factors to prioritize what matters most to you, ensuring you purchase the most beautiful diamond for your budget.

Where to Buy a Flawless Diamond

Most high-end jewelry stores offer at least a small selection of flawless clarity diamond jewelry, providing an easy option for inspecting the ring and verifying its quality with a clerk before purchasing. If you reside in areas where flawless diamonds are scarce or salespeople lack sufficient knowledge about diamond clarity, numerous websites, such as Artful Bracelets, can help you find the perfect ring. Always research before committing to a diamond. Stores or local jewelers often have limited flawless diamond collections, making online research crucial. This ensures you pay the right price and obtain a perfect diamond otherwise. For specific questions, our on-staff expert gemologists are available to assist with your queries, concerns, and budget.

How to Buy a Flawless Diamond

As previously mentioned, only experts can confirm a diamond’s “flawless” status. However, you can save time by checking for the following characteristics before consulting a jeweler:

Carbon spots formed during diamond creation
Cloudiness or milky appearance
Lines unrelated to facet separation
Flaws that disrupt diamond clarity or overall flow
Imperfections noted on the GIA certificate

After examining several rings for these basic flaws, narrow down your choices and ask a jeweler to inspect them for quality and clarity, ensuring you’re purchasing a genuine flawless diamond ring. Additionally, always compare options. Given their high cost, you’re unlikely to lose the perfect ring to another customer while exploring other flawless diamond options. Ensure that your diamond includes a valid certificate, confirming its flawless classification.

If you have specific questions about a stone, we have on-staff expert gemologists to help talk you through your questions, concerns, and budget.

FAQs

What is FL clarity diamond?

A “FL” clarity diamond is a diamond that has been graded as having “Flawless” clarity by a gemological laboratory. This means that there are no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. It is the highest grade of diamond clarity.

Which diamond clarity grade is the best?

The highest grade of diamond clarity is “Flawless” (abbreviated as “FL”). This means that no inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification. This is considered the best clarity grade for a diamond. However, it is also the most rare and thus the most expensive.

What are IF diamonds?

IF diamonds stand for “Internally Flawless” diamonds. It is a Clarity grade assigned to a diamond after a gemological examination; it means that the diamond is free of any internal inclusions but may have small surface blemishes that are only visible under 10x magnification. It is the second-highest grade of diamond clarity and is considered to be of very high quality.

IF diamonds are considered very rare, and as a result, they tend to be more expensive than other clarity grades. However, they are still much less expensive than Flawless diamonds, making them an attractive option for many buyers who want a high-quality diamond at a more affordable price.

Which is better Flawless or VVS diamond?

The difference between a Flawless (FL) diamond and a Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) diamond is the presence and visibility of inclusions and blemishes. FL diamond is completely free of any internal inclusions or external blemishes, while VVS diamonds have inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification, and may be invisible to the naked eye.

Both FL and VVS diamonds are considered to be of extremely high quality, and both grades are quite rare.