Diamond and Solitaire Guide

The very thought of diamonds brings to mind everything grand and luxurious. These sparkling gemstones are the epitome of beauty and perfection, often chosen to create stunning diamond rings, bracelets, and pendants that define timeless elegance.

But when you plan to buy diamond jewelry online or in-store, beauty alone isn’t enough — it’s essential to understand what makes a diamond truly valuable. That’s where the 4Cs of Diamonds come in: Cut, Colour, Carat, and Clarity.

Among these, diamond clarity plays a major role in determining both the brilliance and the price of your jewelry. Let’s explore why clarity matters and how to choose the right diamond for you.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Every natural diamond is formed over millions of years under intense heat and pressure deep within the earth. During this process, tiny inclusions and blemishes may appear — these are known as the diamond’s natural birthmarks.

Diamond clarity refers to how pure and flawless a diamond appears. The fewer the imperfections, the higher its clarity grade — and the greater its brilliance, transparency, and value.

Flaws, Clarity & Value

When you shop for diamond jewelry such as rings, necklaces, or earrings, remember this simple rule:

Fewer flaws = Higher clarity = Higher value.

A diamond with high clarity grade is more valuable than one with visible inclusions, even if both share the same cut, color, and carat weight. However, many inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, meaning you can still own a stunning diamond without paying a premium for perfection.

Diamond Clarity Chart Explained

To assess clarity, gemologists inspect diamonds under 10x magnification and assign them grades based on the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale. Here’s what each clarity grade means:

• FL / IF (Flawless & Internally Flawless): No visible inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification — extremely rare and highly valued.

• VVS1 / VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions that are difficult to detect under magnification.

• VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions visible only under magnification — excellent balance between quality and value.

• SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included): Noticeable inclusions under magnification but not usually visible to the eye — popular choice for fine engagement rings and diamond pendants.

• I1 / I2 / I3 (Included): Visible inclusions that may affect brilliance and durability — most budget-friendly option.

Choosing the Right Diamond for You

Your ideal diamond clarity depends on your preference and budget:

• For luxury diamond jewelry, opt for FL, IF, or VVS grades — these offer near-perfect sparkle.

• For everyday wear or statement pieces, VS or SI clarity diamonds provide excellent brilliance at better value.

• Always view your diamond under proper lighting before purchase, and ask for certification from trusted sources like GIA or IGI.

If you’re shopping for lab-grown diamond jewelry, the same clarity grading applies — but you’ll often get higher clarity for less, making it a sustainable and ethical choice.

Pro Buying Tip

Don’t get caught up chasing “flawless” clarity unless it fits your goals. Many diamonds with SI or VS clarity look identical to higher grades once set in jewelry — so focus on overall sparkle and design instead of microscopic perfection.

When you buy diamond jewelry online, always check:

• The diamond’s clarity grade

• Its certification (BIS, IGI, or GIA)

• The reputation of your jeweler

At Anirudh Jewels, every piece — from diamond engagement rings to gold pendants and earrings — is carefully crafted using certified natural and lab-grown diamonds, ensuring unmatched brilliance, value, and authenticity.