Most diamonds contain inclusions - natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures. These are known as nature's "fingerprints" or "birthmarks" and may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. The fewer the inclusions, the greater the clarity and the more valuable the diamond.
"Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions - nature's fingerprints"
When light enters a diamond, it is reflected in and refracted out. If anything disrupts this flow of light, some light can be lost and the diamond's brilliance may be diminished. The number, size and position of inclusions can affect this flow of light.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection called clarity, established by the Gemological Institute of America. The clarity scale ranges from FL (flawless) to I (included) and is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of x10. Diamonds with inclusions that are visible to the naked eye are graded I1 - I2 and those that are slightly included are SI1 - SI2. Diamonds that are very slightly included are graded VS1 - VS2 and those that are very, very slightly included are VVS1 - VVS2. You may not notice a huge difference between the brilliance of a diamond that is graded, say, VVS1 and one that is VVS2.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a diamond's setting or mounting and therefore have little effect on its beauty.
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