The Purer a Diamond, the More Brilliant

The greater a diamond's clarity, brilliance, value and rarity, the higher it is on the Diamond Quality Chart. The clarity of a diamond can be lessened by various kinds of flaws. Most diamonds contain natural birthmarks known as inclusions. Almost all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural phenomena -- called inclusions -- may be seen. These are nature's birthmarks, and they may look like pinpoints, tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers.

Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no such inclusions. Flawless stones have no inclusions or blemishes on surface are at the peak of the Diamond Quality Chart and are treasured for their rarity and beauty. Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. The larger the inclusion, the lower the grade and the less rare the diamond. Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 to I3.

The number, color, type, size and position of surface and internal birthmarks affect a diamond's value. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value.