The 4Cs Part 3: Clarity
Clarity is possibly the most important of the 4 Cs and refers to the clearness of the diamond. It can also be referred to as “purity”.
Diamonds may naturally have inclusions or flaws within the stone, which results in a lower clarity – a diamond with absolute clarity would be completely transparent with no marks, flaws or inclusions at all. Because of the nature of diamond as a material, high or poor clarity has arguably the most effect on its appearance and while the cut, colour or size of a diamond can be down to personal preference, few would argue that a flawed diamond could be desirable. As a result, a diamond with a high clarity but small size or low value cut will usually be given a much higher overall rating than a diamond with an excellent cut but poor clarity. A diamond with good clarity allows light to pass freely through the stone and produces the highest sparkle and brilliance, making it attractive to diamond experts and lay people alike.
Clarity is rated on a scale from Internally Flawless to With Inclusions represented by the letters IF for Internally Flawless and P for With Inclusions. Ratings that fall in between these extremes are VVS (Very Very Slight Inclusions), VS (Very Slight Inclusions) and SI (Slight Inclusions).
