The ANTON Diamond Clarity Guide
A natural diamond should feel as extraordinary as the moment it represents. Understanding clarity helps you recognise the subtle nuances that shape a diamond’s presence, from its purity to its light.
In this guide, you’ll find expert tips on choosing a clarity grade that aligns with your style and your vision, creating a bespoke engagement ring that elevates every version of you.
What is diamond clarity?
Clarity measures the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes that form as a natural diamond comes to life and during the cutting process. These characteristics are examined under 10x magnification and graded to reflect how visible they are.
Most inclusions are microscopic, but they can influence a diamond’s transparency, light performance and overall character. At ANTON, each diamond is examined for its visual integrity, structural purity and exceptional clarity. Only the finest natural diamonds make it to our engagement ring collection.
The Diamond Clarity Scale
Clarity is one of the 4 C’s, established in 1953 by the Gemological Institute of America, which set the standard for diamond evaluation. Their clarity scale includes six classifications and eleven distinct grades. It includes:
FL — Flawless
- The pinnacle of clarity, with less than 1% of natural diamonds achieving this grade
- No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification.
- FL diamonds are extraordinarily rare and completely eye clean, meaning they offer unmatched brilliance and exclusivity.
IF — Internally Flawless
- No internal inclusions, with only the slightest surface characteristics visible under magnification.
- IF diamonds are virtually perfect to the naked eye, they offer exceptional clarity and a pristine appearance.
VVS1 & VVS2 — Very, Very Slightly Included
- Inclusions are microscopic, detectable only by expert graders under 10x magnification.
- These stones remain entirely eye clean, combining rarity with exceptional sparkle for those who seek refined luxury.
VS1 & VS2 — Very Slightly Included
- Inclusions are subtle, requiring magnification and trained observation to notice.
- VS diamonds are eye clean, striking a perfect balance between visible perfection and accessibility, making them a popular choice for couples.
SI1 & SI2 — Slightly Included
- Subtle inclusions may be visible under magnification, occasionally to the unaided eye.
- We mainly source within VS-SI; however, we source all clarities depending on client requests.
How do you choose the best clarity for your engagement ring?
Prioritise Eye-Clean Beauty
Look for diamonds that appear flawless to the naked eye. Generally, VS1 and VS2 diamonds can be eye-clean, with rare, subtle inclusions that won’t distract from their brilliance.
Consider Diamond Size
Larger stones reveal inclusions more easily, so higher clarity grades are recommended for bigger diamonds to maintain a crisp, luminous appearance.
Match Clarity with Cut
Step-cut shapes like emerald or Asscher reveal inclusions more clearly, so select higher clarity. Brilliant cuts such as round, oval, cushion or pear can mask minor inclusions with much more elegance than other cuts.
Factor in Setting and Design
Strategic settings can hide inclusions, particularly in the prongs or under the halo, enhancing the diamond’s perceived clarity.
Discover Engagement
Experience the ANTON standard for yourself
Every diamond at ANTON is chosen not because it simply meets a clarity grade, but because it surpasses expectations of excellence and craftsmanship. Whether Flawless or impeccably curated VS, an ANTON diamond is hand-selected for those who expect the extraordinary.
The best way to experience clarity, cut, colour and carat in person? A private appointment with one of our experts. See how our natural diamonds interact in real light and see them sparkle with every movement.
FAQs:
What clarity diamond is best for an engagement ring?
For an engagement ring, clarity grades from VS1 to Flawless represent exceptional purity and visual excellence. These grades ensure the diamond appears perfectly clean to the eye and carries the high standard expected of an ANTON piece. The best choice is the clarity level that reflects the quality you want to symbolise your commitment.
How does diamond clarity affect a diamond’s price?
Clarity influences price by reflecting rarity. Diamonds with minimal or no internal features, such as Flawless, IF or VVS, form only a tiny portion of what nature produces. As purity increases, so does rarity, creating a higher value tier for collectors and clients who prioritise exceptional stones.
Is cut or clarity more important?
Cut determines brilliance, while clarity defines the purity of the stone. Cut has the greatest impact on light performance, but clarity can also enhance transparency and presence. At ANTON, both are selected at elevated standards, so every diamond delivers beauty, precision and strong visual impact.
Which diamond clarity is the most expensive?
Flawless (FL) clarity diamonds are the most expensive because they represent the rarest level of natural purity. Only a very small percentage of natural diamonds meet this standard, placing them at the top of the clarity grade chart.