Education - Diamond Clarity | Adiamor
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Education - Diamond Clarity | Adiamor

Diamond Clarity

Most diamonds have unique clarity characteristics, much like a fingerprint. These distinguishing characteristics can be classified as inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are enclosed within a diamond or extend into the diamond from its surface while blemishes, on the other hand, are confined to the diamond's surface. When light enters a diamond, it is reflected in and refracted out. If anything disrupts the flow of light through the diamond, such as an inclusion, a proportion of the light reflected may be lost. This effect can detract from the pure beauty of the diamond.

To get the most value, Adiamor suggests selecting a diamond that is "eye clean" where no internal flaws are visible to the unaided eye. The table here depicts how a flaw (inclusion or blemish) may appear under 10x magnification.

You may not notice a significant difference between an SI1 and a SI2 with the naked eye. However, you should consider the number, size, brightness, nature, and position of the inclusions of an SI2 graded diamond to ensure that it is eye clean. Some inclusions can be hidden by a prong when mounted, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond, however, could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond appear less brilliant.

Our diamond consultants can inspect an SI2 graded diamond to ensure that it is eye clean before your purchase. For assistance, please email us at or contact a customer service representative by phone at 1-877-627-5094.

Search our online database of loose diamonds in all clarity grades

GIA & AGS Clarity Grading Scale

A diamond's cut is considered to be the most important of the four Cs. It is important to understand how a diamond's proportions and the relationship between them affects its brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original rough diamond. This technique results in a heavier diamond and also sacrifices the potential fire and brilliance of the stone. The width and depth have the greatest effect on how light travels within the diamond, and also how light exits the diamond in the form of brilliance.

(AGS 0)

Flawless and Internally Flawless
(AGS 1-2)

Very Very Slightly Included
VS1 - VS2
(AGS 3-4)

VS1 - VS2
Very Slightly Included
SI1 - SI2
(AGS 5-6)

SI1 - SI2
Slightly Included
I1 - I2 - I3
(AGS 7-8-9)

I1 - I2 - I3