Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity and is evaluated by viewing the stone under 10x magnification. See below the differences between what you see with the naked eye compared with what you can see with a 10x magnifying loupe. A diamond that is virtually free of interior or exterior inclusions is of the highest quality for nothing interferes with the passage of light through the diamond.

Every diamond is unique and possesses its own individual natural characteristics referred to as inclusions and described as "nature's fingerprints". These inclusions, such as minerals or fractures, appear while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. The number, size, color, nature and position of the inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond.

The Clarity Grading Scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), outlined below is the most widely accepted grading system in the world.