How to choose the clarity of a diamond?

Choosing the right diamond clarity involves considering a balance between the diamond's appearance and your budget. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision when selecting a diamond based on its clarity:

Understand the Clarity Grades: Familiarize yourself with the clarity grading scale and the different clarity grades, from Flawless to Included. This will help you understand the terminology used to describe diamond clarity.

Prioritize What's Visible: Consider how important it is for you to have a diamond that appears flawless to the naked eye. Keep in mind that many inclusions are not visible without magnification. For most people, diamonds in the VS (Very Slightly Included) range offer a good balance between appearance and cost.

Assess the Inclusions: If possible, view diamonds in person or through high-quality images to assess the visibility of inclusions. Focus on the diamond's overall appearance rather than getting caught up in trying to find every tiny flaw.

Choose the Right Shape: The impact of inclusions on a diamond's appearance can vary depending on the diamond's shape and the position of the inclusions. Some shapes, like round brilliants, may hide inclusions better than others.

Consider the Setting: The type of setting you choose for your diamond can also influence how noticeable inclusions are. A well-designed setting can minimise the visibility of certain inclusions.

Determine Your Budget: Clarity is one of the factors that can significantly impact a diamond's price. Set a realistic budget for your purchase and be prepared to make trade-offs between clarity and other factors like cut, carat weight, and colour.