The 5 C's: Clarity
As it forms in nature, almost every diamond develops imperfactions

With respect to clarity we are referring to the presence of tiny, usually microscopic, imperfections. As it forms in nature, almost every diamond develops imperfections. They might be microscopic cracks shaped like feathers or microscopic diamond crystals, or even crystals of some other gemstone.

To determine a diamond's clarity, it must be examined under a 10x magnification by an educated eye. What small inclusions there may be make every diamond unique. These are nature's fingerprints and do not mar the beauty or endanger the durability of the diamond. Without high magnification, you may never see these inclusions. However the fewer the inclusions, the rarer and more valuable your diamond may be.

	Flawless (FL) No imperfections can be seen internally (inclusions) or externally (blemishes).
	Internally Flawless (IF) Minor surface blemishes
	Very, Very Small Inclusions (VVS1-VVS2) Only a trained professional with a 10 power corrected loupe will see any characteristic at all.
	Very Small Inclusions (VS1-VS2) Still very hard to find characteristics under a 10 power corrected loupe.
	Small Inclusions (SI1-SI2) Internal imperfections easily seen with a 10 power corrected loupe, however the diamond is eye clean.
	Imperfect (I1-I2-I3) Eye-visible inclusions Are all grades where characteristics are visible to the naked unaided eye, each grade showing more imperfections. (I2 and I3 especially are poor quality diamonds.)

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