Clarity Characteristics: Tips from Expert Gemologist

If you are purchasing your diamonds based on their Clarity (VVS, VS, SI) on the diamond report, you might be missing out on the smaller but crucial details: the Clarity Characteristics.

When it comes to diamond clarity, you might already know it is one of the 4Cs of Diamond, used to evaluate a diamond’s beauty and value.

For collectors with a larger budget who prioritize the finest diamonds, we recommend considering diamonds with clarity levels like IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, or VS2. However, for those on a limited budget or for whom beauty isn’t the only priority, diamonds with clarity levels of SI1, SI2, or lower are great alternatives.

If you’re just beginning to learn about clarity and would like an overview, we suggest starting with our article on “Facts You Should Know About IF, VVS, VS, SI Clarity Diamonds.”

However, clarity is just the tip of the iceberg. Even though clarity levels impact a diamond’s price, two diamonds with the same clarity grade, say VVS2, can still differ in price due to finer details found in their Clarity Characteristics.

In this article, we’ll explain the 11 types of Clarity Characteristics and the 5 types of Comments that can affect both the beauty and value of your diamonds.

Clarity: General Knowledge Recap

Clarity refers to the natural flaws within diamonds, including external flaws (blemishes) and internal flaws (inclusions). These flaws, called “Clarity Characteristics” in a GIA Diamond Report, represent the types of imperfections within a diamond.

Flawless diamonds, such as those with “Internally Flawless” or “IF” clarity, have no visible flaws even under a 10x magnifier. These diamonds make up only 0.5% of all diamonds, making them extremely rare and popular among purists, who often have higher budgets. This rarity results in a significant price jump from VVS1 Clarity diamonds.

The higher the clarity level, the fewer flaws a diamond has (IF > VVS1 > VVS2 > VS1 > VS2), making it more valuable. However, higher clarity doesn’t always mean better brilliance (unless the flaws directly impact a diamond’s appearance). A diamond’s brilliance is more closely tied to its “Cut Quality” (3 Excellent, Proportions, and Hearts and Arrows).

Clarity Characteristics: Why Are They Important?

Clarity Characteristics, or a diamond’s specific types of flaws, are what give a natural diamond its unique charm.

Since diamonds form deep within the Earth, it’s natural for them to have internal flaws. However, human factors during mining and cutting also impact a diamond’s final appearance, contributing to its individuality.

No two diamonds are alike. Their unique flaws serve as “fingerprints,” helping us distinguish between diamonds. For example, two diamonds graded VVS2 will still differ in beauty based on their Clarity Characteristics.

Buying a diamond without seeing it in person or carefully reviewing its Clarity Characteristics is risky—like crossing the street with your eyes closed. You won’t truly know how these flaws affect the diamond’s appearance.

How to Read the Reference Diagram in a GIA Diamond Report

When grading a diamond, gemologists analyze and mark the location and types of flaws. The symbols used vary across institutions like GIA, HRD, and IGI, but we will focus on GIA symbols, as they are the most widely accepted.

Learn how to read a GIA diamond report like a pro

In larger diamonds (1 carat or more), reference diagrams show the diamond’s flaws. For smaller diamonds (under 1 carat), these diagrams aren’t included in the report, so the only way to assess flaws is by inspecting the diamond in person.

Blemishes (external flaws) are marked in green, while inclusions (internal flaws) are shown in red:

If you’re reviewing this for the first time, don’t worry! Some of the details may seem complicated, but that’s why we’ve written this article—to break it down for you.

11 Clarity Characteristics Commonly Seen in Diamond Reports

Here are 11 of the most commonly seen flaws in diamond certifications. These flaws may or may not affect the beauty of a diamond, which is why we always inspect the diamonds in person, in addition to reviewing their certifications.

1. Bearding

Bearding appears as hair-like lines around the girdle (the diamond’s edge) and forms during the bruting process (when two diamonds are ground against each other to form a round shape). Bearding is generally acceptable if it’s not excessive, as it doesn’t affect the “face” of the diamond.

2. Cavity

A cavity is an opening, often caused by the cutter trying to remove another flaw, like a feather or crystal. It’s similar to leaving a permanent pockmark after squeezing a pimple. Large cavities can collect dirt, turning parts of the diamond black over time. We evaluate cavities on a case-by-case basis, particularly in higher clarity diamonds.

3. Chip

A chip occurs when a piece of the diamond breaks off, often from impact or during the setting process. Chips usually appear around the rim or bottom of the diamond, and they can affect the diamond’s carat weight.

4. Cloud

Clouds are clusters of pinpoint inclusions or crystals. Small clouds are common and generally harmless. However, excessive clouds can make the diamond look hazy or “milky,” which decreases its brilliance and market value. It’s best to avoid diamonds with this characteristic.

5. Crystal

Crystals are minerals trapped inside the diamond and come in various colors (black, white, red, green). Black or green crystals can significantly reduce a diamond’s value, so inspecting these in person is important.

6. Feather

Feathers are small cracks within the diamond that are visible at certain angles. If located near the edges, they can reduce the diamond’s durability. We prefer to avoid diamonds with prominent feathers near the edges.

7. Graining

Graining occurs from irregular crystal growth and can make a diamond appear wrinkled. If the graining is on the bottom of the diamond, it’s usually fine, but top graining may affect the overall appearance.

8. Indented Natural

This is a small dent on the diamond’s surface, usually along the edges. It’s generally not a concern, as it can be hidden by the setting.

9. Needle

Needles are long, thin inclusions that appear white or colorless. If they cluster together, they may impact the diamond’s beauty.

10. Pinpoint

Pinpoints are tiny black or white spots. While they don’t usually affect the diamond’s appearance, larger clusters can reduce its brilliance.

11. Twinning Wisp

Twinning Wisps form from abnormal crystal growth and often include multiple inclusions, such as clouds or feathers. These are common in fancy diamond shapes.

Additional Info: 5 Types of “Not Shown” Comments

Sometimes, you’ll see “Not Shown” comments on a diamond report. This means the flaws are so minor that they don’t need to be marked on the diagram. Here are the five most common “Not Shown” comments:

1. Additional Clouds/Pinpoints are not shown
These are so insignificant that they don’t affect the diamond.

2. Surface Graining is not shown
This refers to minor roughness on the diamond’s surface, barely visible even under a magnifier.

3. Internal Graining is not shown
Similar to surface graining but located within the diamond.

4. Minor details of Polish are not shown
This is very common and has no impact on beauty. It’s the only thing that distinguishes an IF diamond from a Flawless diamond.

5. Additional Twinning Wisps are not shown
These are found in diamonds with SI clarity and have minimal impact on appearance.

Conclusion: A Diamond Report is a Helpful Guide, But Not the Whole Story

Relying solely on the clarity grades (IF, VVS, VS, SI) in a diamond report can be misleading. By now, you understand the importance of looking deeper into a diamond’s clarity characteristics to fully evaluate its beauty.

Remember, the impact of a flaw is subjective—just like how people view beauty differently. The key is to carefully select each diamond to ensure it meets your preferences and expectations. For over 50 years, we’ve been committed to providing customers with diamonds worthy of their trust.

If you have any questions about the “Clarity Characteristics” of a diamond, reach out to us for advice and consultation.