If you think about the incredible amount of pressure it takes to create a diamond, it's no surprise that many diamonds have inclusions-scratches, blemishes, air bubbles or non-diamond mineral material-on their surface or inside. Diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more highly valued than those with less clarity, not just because they are more pleasing to the eye, but also because they are rarer.

Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from Internally Flawless, diamonds which are completely free of blemishes and inclusions even under 10x magnification, to Imperfect 3, diamonds which possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.

F (Flawless) - Free from all inclusions or blemishes.

IF (Internally Flawless) - No inclusions visible at 10x magnification.

VVS1 - VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) - Inclusions that are extremly / very difficult to locate at10x magnification.

VS1 - VS2 (Very Slightly Included) - Minor inclusions that are difficult / some what difficult to locate at10x magnification.

SI1 - SI3 (Slightly Included) - Noticeable / some inclusions that are easy / very easy to locate at 10x magnification.

I1 - I3 (Included) - Obvious inclusions that are easy / very easy to locate with the unaided eye.

While the presence of these clarity characteristics do lower the clarity grade, and therefore the value, of a diamond they can also be viewed as proof of a diamond's identity. GIA certificates include what is known as a "plot" of a diamond's inclusions. Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing the uniqueness of your diamond's clarity characteristics with the plot provided on the diamond certificate offers assurance that the diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive.