Clarity
All diamonds except for the rare “flawless” and “internally flawless” diamonds contain identifying marks that are called “inclusions”. Most inclusions are too small to be seen with the naked eye and some to the untrained eye are even difficult to see with a microscope or jewelers loupe. When you are able to see these inclusions or “nature’s birthmarks”, they will look like tiny clouds, crystals or feathers. To determine a diamond’s clarity grade, a gemologist will consider the size, location, amount, color and general nature of all inclusions. Some diamonds will receive the distinctive honor of being labeled as flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF). These stones are clear of all identifying marks.
