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However, there are two additional Cs in the 4 Cs of diamonds that you should consider: color and clarity. For more on the first, see our comprehensive guide to diamond color (distinct from colored diamonds). Although clarity can be perplexing, understanding it is crucial for finding the ideal diamond (and potentially saving a good amount of money).
How Does Diamond Clarity Influence Appearance?
Gemologists use advanced tools, including 10X magnification, to assess diamond clarity, but most of us simply appreciate a diamond’s sparkle. Generally, a more brilliant sparkle indicates a higher clarity rating.
At Artful Bracelets, we rate diamonds using the Gemological Institute of America’s clarity scale. The GIA scale grades diamond clarity into 11 categories, which broadly fall into these main groups:
- Flawless (FL) diamonds with no blemishes or inclusions (flaws).
- Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds with no inclusions and blemishes only detectable by experts under magnification.
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) diamonds with inclusions difficult to see even under magnification.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) diamonds have minor inclusions ranging from hard to spot to easily visible under magnification.
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) diamonds with inclusions noticeable to experts under magnification; some SI2 inclusions are visible to the naked eye.
- Included (I1, I2, and I3) diamonds with prominent inclusions visible under magnification and often to the naked eye. These inclusions can affect transparency and brilliance, though Artful Bracelets only carries I1 diamonds, not I2 or I3.
Flawless and internally flawless diamonds are rarely used in engagement rings, with IF diamonds comprising just 0.5% of diamonds in rings and other jewelry.
So, what does this all mean when determining the best diamond clarity?
Clarity affects how a diamond sparkles and appears under light — fewer inclusions result in a brighter shine. However, no two diamonds are identical, even those with the same GIA rating.
Typically, a Slightly Included (SI) diamond is more affordable, with inclusions that are usually not visible to the naked eye. This can vary by stone, so having an expert gemologist review your potential purchase can be beneficial. Artful Bracelets does not offer Included I2 and I3 diamonds for engagement rings due to the negative impact on clarity.
How Does Diamond Clarity Impact Price?
In general, the fewer the flaws, the higher the price. Prices can differ by 15 to 25 percent between clarity grades, and even diamonds within the same grade can vary by 5 to 15 percent.
| Carat Weight | 0.5 ct | 1 ct | 1.2 ct | 1.5 ct | 2 ct | 2.5 ct | 3 ct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Lab | 360 | 1,160 | 1,430 | 2,040 | 3,450 | 4,590 | 5,990 |
| Round Natural | 910 | 3,970 | 5,070 | 7,340 | 13,590 | 19,550 | 31,270 |
| Oval Lab | 360 | 1,090 | 1,420 | 1,680 | 3,090 | 4,920 | 5,940 |
| Oval Natural | 700 | 2,820 | 4,360 | 6,480 | 11,370 | 15,800 | 25,000 |
| Emerald Lab | 580 | 1,070 | 1,650 | 1,750 | 2,830 | 4,550 | 5,970 |
| Emerald Natural | 630 | 3,030 | 4,420 | 5,660 | 9,930 | 15,520 | 30,800 |
| Pear Lab | 720 | 1,040 | 1,580 | 1,810 | 2,900 | 4,290 | 5,860 |
| Pear Natural | 690 | 2,420 | 3,720 | 7,600 | 12,110 | 20,360 | 44,690 |
What is Diamond Clarity Enhancement?
Diamond clarity enhancement is a technique used to make stones with inclusions appear flawless to the naked eye, usually through laser drilling or fracture filling. Laser drilling involves drilling tiny holes to the flaws and burning them out with a laser, whereas fracture filling fills the holes with a crystal-like substance to improve appearance.
The primary advantage of diamond clarity enhancement is cost savings: diamonds rated as slightly included or included can be up to 20 percent cheaper than flawless diamonds, while appearing almost identical.
However, there are drawbacks to diamond clarity enhancement, particularly its lack of permanence in some cases. At Artful Bracelets, we want you to love your diamond as much in 15 years as you do today, and since not all enhanced diamonds remain perfect, we avoid using clarity enhancements. GIA certifications may indicate enhancements but not always if they are permanent.
Which Diamond Clarity is Ideal?
So, what is the best diamond clarity? It varies. Many think a flawless or internally flawless diamond is superior to one with inclusions, but that isn’t always the case. Flawless or internally flawless diamonds are rare, beautiful, and expensive. Combining such clarity with a larger carat and unique cut can significantly raise the price.
For those on a budget where clarity isn’t the main concern, diamonds in the Very Slightly Included (VS1 or VS2) or Slightly Included (SI1) categories are great options. These appear attractive to the naked eye, and neither you nor others will inspect it under a microscope. Choosing a lower-rated clarity diamond allows for a higher carat size, saving you money.
The expert gemologists at Artful Bracelets can assist you in finding a diamond engagement ring that balances both your desires and budget. You’ll be amazed at the clarity and carat size available when guided by an expert.
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