Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. The fewer and smaller the inclusionsthe higher the clarity grade.

To view inclusions, you must use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows you to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are 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.

Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little 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.

The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is and the higher it is on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.

DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE MOST POPULAR DIAMOND CLARITY GRADES

Clarity: Internally Flawless (IF)
This diamond has no internal identifying characteristics, even when viewed under a microscope at extreme magnification. These diamonds are not graded flawless usually because of very slight surface markings or minor details in their polish. Diamonds of this grade of clarity are extremely rare.

Clarity: Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1)
This diamond has very few, very tiny inclusions. The inclusions in this diamond are virtually unidentifiable even when viewed under a microscope at 30x power magnification. Diamonds of this grade of clarity are extremely rare.

Clarity: Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS2)
This diamond has very few, very tiny inclusions. The inclusions in this diamond are virtually unidentifiable even when viewed under a microscope at 30x power magnification. Diamonds of this grade of clarity are extremely rare.

Clarity: Very Slightly Included (VS1)
This diamond has few, very small inclusions. The inclusions are very difficult to see under a 10x power magnification, and are almost never visible to the unaided eye. VS1 grade diamonds present an excellent value in clarity because they are typically free of visible blemishes, and they are less expensive than higher clarity grades.

Clarity: Very Slightly Included (VS2)
This diamond has few, very small inclusions. The inclusions are very difficult to see under a 10x power magnification, and are almost never visible to the unaided eye. VS2 grade diamonds present an excellent value in clarity because they are typically free of visible blemishes, and they are less expensive than higher clarity grades.

Clarity: Slightly Included (SI1)
The inclusions in this diamond can be visible at 10x power magnification. Inclusions in diamonds with SI grade clarity might be visible to the unaided eye. SI1 grade diamonds are not as rare as VS1 and VS2 grade diamonds, so they are less expensive and present a great value.

Clarity: Slightly Included (SI2)
The inclusions in this diamond can be visible at 10x power magnification. Inclusions in diamonds with SI grade clarity might be visible to the unaided eye. SI2 grade diamonds are not as rare as SI1 and VS2 grade diamonds, so they are less expensive and present a great value.