While the “
Clarity” refers to the appearance of blemishes as well as inclusions in the
stone, or its absence, the “Grade” is assigned by the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA rates the
clarity of a
diamond on the below-mentioned scale.
- IF or Internally Flawless
- VVS-1 or Very Very Small Inclusions 1
- VVS-2 or Very Very Small Inclusions 2
- VS-1 or Very Small Inclusions 1
- VS-2 or Very Small Inclusions 2
- SI1 or Small Inclusions 1
- SI2 or Small Inclusions 2
- I1 or Inclusions 1
- I2 or Inclusions 2
Imperfections in natural
diamonds are common.
Diamonds are formed in the mantle of the Earth and are exposed to extreme heat conditions. While their development takes billions of years, only rarest
diamonds come out in ideal structure without any traces of foreign elements. More often than not, they are imperfect and contain varying amounts of surface blemishes and internal inclusions.
Diamonds with
VS-1 clarity grade mean inclusions in them are tough to notic
e even for a skilled person. However, a trained eye can spot them under 10x magnification. Still,
diamonds with
VS-1 clarity grades are eye-clean, beautiful, and offer excellent value, of course. What’s more, as they do contain a few flaws, the price of
VS1 diamond rings will be easy on the wallet too.