Diamonds are formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure. This creates unique birthmarks, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). These birthmarks are not a bad thing per se, since they make the diamond truly unique.

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions or blemishes. Diamonds with no birthmarks are extremely rare, and rarity affects a diamond's value.

GIA assigns a clarity grade by looking at the diamond's imperfections in terms of size, nature, position, color or relief and quantity under 10x magnification.

The GIA clarity scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories.

• Flawless (FL): no inclusion or blemishes are visible using 10x magnification
• Internally Flawless (IF): no inclusions and only blemishes are visible using 10x magnification
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): inclusions are minor although easier to see under 10x magnification
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
• Included (I1, I2, and I3): inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and to the naked eye and may affect transparency and brilliance of the diamond.

The clarity grade will be written down in the GIA certificate of your diamond.

LEARN: Why you need a GIA diamond certificate and how to read a GIA certificate.

In the “additional grading information” section of the GIA certificate, you will see an entry called “clarity characteristics” which will list the inclusions and blemishes present in the diamond.

• Bearding
• Graining
• Cavity
• Crystals
• Cloud
• Feather
• Needle
• Pinpoint
• Twinning wisp
• Chip
• Intended natural

The diamond displayed above has inclusions listed as pinpoint, cloud and feather.

You do not have to get a Flawless diamond to have a beautiful diamond to the naked eye. We recommend VS (very slightly included 1 or 2) or higher. Do not go lower, or inclusions will start becoming visible and affect the overall beauty of the stone.

MORE: Refresh your knowledge on the 4Cs - all the characteristics defining the quality and price of a diamond.

At My Diamond Ring, you can configure your engagement ring by choosing the center diamond! We offer more than 5000 diamonds in different qualities and price ranges, in order for you to find the diamond that meets your expectations in terms of size, clarity, cut, color, AND budget. Our diamonds are all GIA certified and start as low as € 350.

LEARN MORE: How to configure your own engagement ring in 3 simple steps

LEARN MORE: All the diamond buying guides you need to select the right diamond!

No matter what you choose, the important thing is that you like the diamond. All diamonds we offer are certified and have been mined under the conditions of the Kimberley Agreement. This guarantees an ethical supply and production chain and prohibits trade with conflict regions worldwide.