Clarity is one of the key factors in choosing a diamond, as it determines how free the stone is from internal inclusions and surface blemishes. At Carmen & Lucy, we will guide you through understanding clarity grades so you can choose a diamond that balances visual appeal, durability, and value.
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes. It's one of the four crucial factors (4 C's) that determine a diamond's quality and value.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a Clarity Scale that ranges from Flawless to Included. Professional gemologists assess diamonds under 10x magnification, meticulously examining for any imperfections. The resulting clarity grade is then included in the diamond's official certification report.
It's important to understand that many inclusions or blemishes are not visible to the naked eye. Diamonds without visible imperfections when viewed without magnification are referred to as 'eye clean'.
When choosing a diamond, consider that clarity grades beyond 'eye clean' may increase cost without providing a visibly discernible difference. Understanding the clarity scale and the concept of 'eye clean' diamonds can help you make an informed decision, potentially allowing you to optimise your budget without compromising on the diamond's apparent quality.
Unless a specifically high clarity grade is requested, Julia, our director and certified gemmologist, will skillfully select diamonds in the best value-for-money clarity grades for our customers. We ensure that every diamond is 100% "eye clean," providing a visually flawless appearance without unnecessary cost.
This means there is no visible difference between one of our carefully selected VS–SI diamonds and a flawless diamond. This expertise has been refined over years of diamond buying experience, along with great patience in sourcing the perfect diamond for each individual client.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced the widely recognized 4 C’s—cut, colour, carat, and clarity—in 1953. Their Clarity Scale includes six categories and 11 distinct grades.
Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare. Always eye clean. Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions; only very minor surface blemishes under magnification. Always eye clean.
VVS1 / VVS2: Inclusions are minute and very difficult to detect. Always eye clean. VS1 / VS2: Inclusions visible under magnification with effort. Generally eye clean. SI1 / SI2: Inclusions noticeable under 10x magnification. Some may be visible to the unaided eye. I1 / I2 / I3: Inclusions obvious under magnification and often visible without it. Offered by request for salt and pepper diamonds only.
Diamond clarity grading is done by trained gemologists under 10x magnification. It involves assessing the number, size, position, nature, and visibility of inclusions and blemishes.
Inclusions are internal imperfections formed during a diamond’s natural growth. Blemishes form externally, often during cutting or wear.
Common Internal Inclusions:
Common External Blemishes:
Salt and Pepper diamonds, graded I1–I3, contain many visible inclusions and are valued for their unique, galaxy-like patterns. Once used mostly in industry, they now offer an unconventional beauty prized in bespoke designs.
While most Carmen & Lucy diamonds are eye-clean, we appreciate the raw, organic charm of included stones. These natural markings are like Mother Nature’s signature — making each diamond truly one of a kind.
We are highly selective about the diamonds & coloured gemstones we offer in our Gem Vault. Every stone is carefully selected by our founder—a certified gemmologist with the International Gem Society (IGS) and an accredited diamond grader with the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA). Each and every stone is assessed with precision and care, upholding our strict standards of quality, traceability, and ethical sourcing. Explore the Gem Vault to discover our curated collection of loose diamonds and coloured gemstones, or contact us to source something specific for your design.
