Understanding Diamond Purity: A Guide to Clarity Scales

When we talk about the value of a diamond, several elements come into play. The purity of the diamond, also called clarity, is one of the essential parameters for evaluating the identity and quality of a stone. With color, carat weight and size, it makes up the famous 4c diamond, universal pillars of gemological expertise.

At Mazarin, we know that a diamond is much more than a simple gem: it is a promise, an emotion, sometimes the symbol of a founding moment. Understanding purity allows you to make an informed choice, in accordance with your budget, your aesthetic expectations and your personal sensitivity.

The purity of a diamond

Clarity is the level of presence or absence of internal and external flaws in a diamond. These features are called inclusions when they are located inside the stone, and surface features when they are located outside.

With the color of diamonds, the diamond carat and diamond size, purity is a fundamental criterion in determining the appearance, brilliance and overall value of a diamond.

Each diamond is unique. The tiny imperfections that form during its deep crystallization, over several billion years, act like a natural fingerprint.

Definition of clarity and the role of inclusions

Clarity describes the degree of transparency of a diamond and its ability to allow light to pass through without obstruction. The freer a diamond is from inclusions, the more light flows freely through its facets, increasing its sparkle and brilliance.

Inclusions can be trapped crystals, feathers, clouds or microscopic cracks. Depending on their size, position and nature, these inclusions influence the visual perception and solidity of a diamond differently. In some cases, very small inclusions are completely invisible to the naked eye and do not alter the beauty of the stone.

The different types of inclusions and surface features

We distinguish two main families:

The internal defects (inclusions) present inside the stone are observable under magnification and sometimes with the naked eye for the lowest grades.

External defects (spots or surface features) relate to the surface of the diamond including scratches, pits, abrasions or polishing marks.

These characteristics play a role in assessing the degree of purity, but also in the way light interacts with the stone.

Clarity directly influences the value of a diamond. For equal characteristics, the higher the degree of purity, the more the price increases.

However, the relationship is not linear: going from a VS1 to a FL can lead to a very significant price increase, sometimes with no visible difference to a non-expert.

Inclusions can disrupt the passage of light, reducing brightness. However, perfectly executed diamond cutting can compensate for certain imperfections.

It is essential to consider clarity as part of a set of criteria, alongside the size, color and weight of the diamond.

Choose a diamond certified by a recognized laboratory.
Always check the certificate and its unique number.
Ask to observe the stone under a magnifying glass or microscope.
Compare several stones in the same category.

VS1, VS2 and certain SI1 diamonds often represent the best compromise between quality, beauty and budget.

At Mazarin, our experts select each stone individually to guarantee consistent quality and impeccable aesthetics.

Diamond purity is a key parameter that directly influences the appearance, value and longevity of a piece of jewelry. Understanding the clarity scale allows you to make a thoughtful choice, aligned with your aesthetic expectations and your budget.

At Mazarin, each stone is selected to integrate harmoniously into the design of a room, according to precise criteria of quality and consistency. This global approach guarantees creations that are balanced, sustainable and faithful to our demanding standards.

If you want to deepen your understanding of the other essential criteria, also consult our guides on diamond size, color of diamonds and the carat of the diamond.