Clarity is the term used to describe the size and number of inclusions in a diamond that can be seen with a 10x magnifying loupe relative to the size of the stone. Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystallised carbon, the element from which they were born, they may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. These inclusions are nature’s finger print and make every diamond unique. Most are not discernible to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent.

The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. Some inclusions can be hidden by the setting, so as to have little to no effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant.

At Xennox Diamond World, we hand pick every diamond, and try wherever possible to select diamonds with inclusions that can be covered by the setting.

Large inclusions interfere with the dispersion of light and therefore the diamond’s brilliance. The larger or more numerous the inclusions the less valuable the diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the stone. Each diamond will have its own unique inclusions in various positions within the diamond. VVS, VS and SI inclusions are not visible to the naked eye; they are only visible through magnification. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, making these diamonds much more valuable.

Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.