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When most people look at a diamond, they focus on how much it sparkles. It is beautiful, bright, and catches the eye. But there is more to a diamond than just how it shines on the outside. One of the most important things that affects how a diamond looks and how much it is worth is something called clarity.

Clarity might sound like a technical term, but understanding it can really help you make a smart choice when buying a diamond. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or a piece of everyday jewellery, clarity plays a key role in both appearance and value. Let us break it down in simple terms.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity refers to how clean or flawless a diamond is on the inside and outside. Every diamond forms under high pressure and heat, whether it is mined from the earth or grown in a lab. During this process, small marks or imperfections can appear.

These imperfections are called inclusions when they are inside the diamond and blemishes when they are on the surface. Clarity is all about how many of these marks a diamond has, how visible they are, and where they are located.

Why Clarity Affects Appearance

A diamond with high clarity looks more brilliant because there is nothing inside blocking the light. Light passes through the stone more easily, which gives it that bright, clean sparkle people love.

On the other hand, a diamond with many inclusions can look dull or cloudy in certain lighting. Some inclusions are very small and only visible under a microscope, but others can be seen with the naked eye. These visible marks can distract from the beauty of the diamond, especially in larger stones.

If you are buying a ring that will be worn every day, such as an engagement ring, clarity becomes even more important. A clean-looking diamond will hold its beauty over time and always look fresh and bright.

Diamond Clarity Chart

Diamonds are graded on a clarity scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Here is a simplified version of the scale:

Clarity Grade

Meaning

Visibility

FL (Flawless)

No inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification

Extremely rare

IF (Internally Flawless)

No inclusions, only very minor surface marks

Very rare

VVS1 / VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)

Inclusions are extremely hard to see under 10x

Excellent clarity

VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included)

Minor inclusions visible under 10x, not to the naked eye

Eye-clean and great value

SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included)

Inclusions are more noticeable under 10x, sometimes visible without magnification

Varies, choose carefully

I1 / I2 / I3 (Included)

Inclusions are easily visible to the naked eye

Lower visual quality


Which Clarity Grade Is Best?

You do not always need the highest grade. In fact, many smart buyers choose clarity grades that offer the best balance between beauty and value.

Here is what works best for most people:

  • VS1 to VS2: These diamonds are eye-clean and offer great value. They look flawless to the naked eye and are perfect for engagement rings.

  • VVS1 to VVS2: Excellent if you want extremely high clarity and are willing to invest more.

  • SI1: Still a good option, especially for smaller diamonds, but be sure to view the stone or ask for a clear video.

Avoid grades below SI2 unless you have seen the diamond in person and are comfortable with visible inclusions.

Lab-Grown Diamonds and Clarity

One of the great things about lab-grown diamonds is that they usually have better clarity than mined diamonds in the same price range. Since they are grown in a controlled environment, they tend to have fewer inclusions.

At Emori, every diamond is carefully inspected and graded by certified labs. We only offer diamonds with clarity levels that look clean and beautiful when worn. Whether you choose a solitaire design or a custom ring, you can be sure the diamond will shine without any distracting flaws.

How to Choose the Right Clarity

You do not need a flawless diamond to get something beautiful. What matters is how the diamond looks to you.

Here are a few simple tips:

  • Look for clarity grades that are eye-clean, meaning you cannot see any marks without a magnifying glass

  • Ask for the diamond’s certificate and check the clarity grade from a trusted lab like GIA or IGI

  • If you are buying a larger diamond, consider slightly higher clarity so that nothing is visible

  • Talk to your jeweller and see the diamond in person or through a high-resolution video if shopping online

When you understand clarity, you can make a confident decision that fits both your style and your budget.

Final Thought

Diamond clarity is not just a technical detail. It is what helps your diamond look its best. It affects how it sparkles, how it catches the light, and how it feels when you wear it.

By learning what clarity means and how it works, you can choose a diamond that looks bright, clean, and full of life. At Emori, we believe clarity is about more than grading. It is about helping you find a diamond that feels just right for your story.

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