Eye Clean Diamonds: Your Ultimate Guide
By
Tiffany Moore , Monday, August 05, 2024
Diamonds that are eye-clean are those that have no inclusions or blemishes visible from the top, or the "face-up" view. There is no official measure for "eye-clean." It's an assessment that varies from person to person depending on their eyesight and lighting conditions.
The Whiteflash baseline definition of eye-clean is:
“No inclusions are visible to someone with 20/20 vision when viewing the diamond face-up from about 10 inches away under standard overhead lighting.”
This is a logical definition because 10 inches is the standard in optometry for distance of most distinct vision. That is, the shortest distance at which most people can focus.
It is possible to save hundreds or thousands of dollars on your engagement ring budget if you know how to find an eye-clean diamond without paying for a technically high clarity grade. A grade such as
VS2 or
SI1 clarity can be eye clean and save lots of money. You’ll pay far less than you would for a
flawless or almost flawless diamond and still get one that’s eye-clean.
Ultimately, they appear identical to the naked eye, and they are much less expensive. To make an informed purchase, prioritize a thorough understanding of the 4Cs (
cut,
color,
clarity, and
carat) when choosing an eye-clean diamond.
To spot an eye-clean diamond, you must know what to look for. It is challenging to determine whether a diamond is eye-clean by looking at its certification alone, since that designation is not listed on any laboratory report.
Using expert assistance and armed with professional advice, you should evaluate each diamond more closely. We’ve dived into what eye clean diamonds are, how you can discover the best clarity for your budget, prioritizing diamond quality and where to purchase eye clean diamonds yourself.
What Are Eye Clean Diamonds?
Comparison of Eye-Clean and Non Eye-Clean Diamonds
In short, eye-clean diamonds don’t have any
inclusions or blemishes that are visible to the naked eye. When viewed under magnification, they may have imperfections, but when observed in everyday life they appear perfect.
Crystals, clouds, feathers, twinning wisps, pinpoints, and graining are
the most common inclusions in diamonds. Many diamonds contain some or all of them! They are not necessarily bad in themselves, or even in combination. How much they impact a diamond's beauty or durability is the extent to which they should be considered. It is important to note that they can have an impact on a diamond's light performance and certainly their value.
There are some clues provided by the lab's clarity grade. Diamond inclusions are graded on the clarity scale below.
Diamond Clarity Grading Scale
In the upper clarity grades, particularly in
VS1 and above, the inclusions are so minor that it is difficult to see them even with magnification. There is little difference between the types of inclusions in these grades. As far as performance, beauty, and durability are concerned, they have no significant impact.
For reference, the GIA grades clarity on the following scale:
- No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
- No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have very minor blemishes on the surface.
- VVS1: Inclusions are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification.
- VVS2: Inclusions are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.
- VS1: Inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
- VS2: Inclusions are somewhat easier to see under 10x magnification but are still considered minor.
- SI1: Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.
- SI2: Inclusions are more easily noticeable under 10x magnification.
- I1: Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.
- I2: Inclusions are easily visible and may affect transparency and brilliance.
- I3: Inclusions are very obvious, can be seen with the naked eye, and may seriously affect transparency and brilliance.
When shopping for diamonds, be cautious of diamonds with lower clarity ratings, as they may contain inclusions that are visible without magnification, potentially affecting the diamond's beauty and/or durability.
While a diamond with a better clarity grade might seem like the best choice, it isn’t always worth the cost - unless true perfection is simply non-negotiable. A diamond of a higher grade will look exactly like a diamond of a lower grade if they are both eye-clean and transparent. The clarity grade of a diamond does not guarantee that it is eye-clean.
A VS2 doesn't necessarily mean it is eye-clean, for example.
That's why it’s so important to evaluate the clarity of the diamond yourself or shop from a reputable jeweler who does the heavy lifting for you.
8 FAQs About Eye Clean Diamonds
1. What Is the Difference Between Eye-Clean and Flawless Diamonds?
Eye-clean diamonds have no visible inclusions to the naked eye, while flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and and can be very expensive.
When it comes to
diamond clarity, the question that may come to mind is why don't I just buy the top diamond grades? The budget of the buyer plays an important role in determining this decision. Natural diamonds of elite clarity grades are incredibly rare, resulting in a significant premium.
2. Are VS2 Diamonds Eye Clean?
With VS2, you get a diamond that is second in the ‘Very Slightly Included’ category and usually has no eye-visible inclusions. This grade is typically eye-clean and it may even be difficult to see anything in a VS2 even under 10X magnification.
3. How Do I Identify an Eye-Clean Diamond on a Grading Report?
An eye-clean diamond isn't guaranteed by clarity grades alone. Review the inclusion plot on the grading report and ask for high-quality images or inspect the diamond in person, if possible.
4. Are SI1 Diamonds Ever Eye-Clean?
Many SI1 (Slightly Included 1) diamonds are eye-clean, but this depends on the specific inclusions and where they are located. Ideally, you should inspect SI1 diamonds with high quality images or in person and consult with an expert gemologist.
5. Can Inclusions in a Diamond Affect Its Durability?
Diamonds that are eye-clean usually contain a few minor inclusions that do not significantly impact durability. Inclusions that are larger or unfortunately located (even if not visible) can pose a greater risk of damage to a diamond. An example is a small feather near the tip of a pointed stone.. Always be sure to check high-resolution imagery.
6. Do Certain Diamond Shapes Hide Inclusions Better?
Inclusions can be hidden better in some diamond shapes,
such as round brilliants, because of their faceting pattern.
Emerald and
Asscher cuts, which have large, open facets, may require higher clarity grades in order to be eye-clean.
7. How Does the Setting of a Diamond Affect Its Appearance of Being Eye-Clean?
The settings of diamonds can hide inclusions, resulting in a more eye-clean diamond appearance. Inclusions near the edges can sometimes be hidden with
prong settings, while inclusions along the girdle can be hidden with
bezel settings.
8. Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Also Come in Eye-Clean Clarity?
Discover the Best Clarity Grades for Eye Clean Diamonds
The
shape and
carat weight of your diamond impact what clarity grade is most likely to be eye-clean. Follow these guidelines to get the most value.
Round Cut, Princess Cut and Oval Cut: For
2 carat diamonds and smaller, VS2 and SI1 diamonds are commonly eye-clean (sometimes even SI2s for a round cut).
For diamonds over 2 carats, VS2s are typically eye-clean. When your carat weight gets over 3 carats, you may have to look at VS1 diamonds to get an eye-clean stone. The bigger the diamond (carat weight can play a role), the easier it is to see imperfections.
Cushion Cut, Radiant Cut, Marquise and Pear-Shaped: These diamond shapes hide inclusions better than others. Opt for an SI1 or even SI2 for the best value.
Heart-Shaped: VS2 and SI1 heart shape diamonds will normally be eye-clean and offer you the most for your budget., They usually hide inclusions fairly well, but not as well as some other brilliant style cuts.
Emerald cut and Asscher cut: It’s easier to see imperfections in step cut diamonds. Aim for a VS2 or better in these shapes to avoid being able to see inclusions with the naked eye.
Beware of Transparency Issues
We tend to think that diamonds are perfectly transparent by their very nature. That is not necessarily true. Diamonds can have transparency deficits due to their inclusions and aberrations in their crystal structure. Certain light scattering types of inclusions like graining, twinning wisps and clouds can prevent light from propagating fully through the diamond and back to the eye. This can leave the stone hazy or milky.
Some diamonds in the Si range and below have very clean stone plots and are completely eye clean, but have a transparency deficit that will prevent them from having optimal light performance even if they are perfectly cut. This issue can take a trained eye to assess properly.
Lab grown diamonds, especially those produced by CVD, can have transparency issues due to strain and striation in the carbon lattice as they grow. Choosing your vendor carefully can help you avoid such stones.
Do Your Diamond Research and Educate Yourself
It is always advisable to start with research. With the Internet at our fingertips, today's smart shopper has access to the world. Your
online diamond buying guide can be found by conducting a simple internet search. If you wish to learn what to look for and how to shop for diamond engagement rings within your budget, this is an ideal place to start.
The price of an ‘eye clean’ diamond depends on a multitude of factors, such as:
The main thing to note when purchasing a diamond is that diamond cut quality is crucial, which we’ll explore further in the next section.
Prioritize Diamond Quality and Cut, Not Size
Flawless diamonds with huge carat weights and stories of the 'biggest diamonds in the world' will make headlines, but size does not make a diamond. We believe that diamond quality is truly dependent upon its intrinsic characteristics, such as clarity, color, and especially cut.
The good news is that when it comes to understanding diamond clarity and light performance, technology is very much on your side. High-res photos, 360 video and
advanced diamond imaging can tell you exactly how well a diamond handles light and identify any issues with light return.
You might be tempted to buy a diamond with visible inclusions just because it's a lot less expensive. A diamond with visible inclusions, however, is just not going to be as beautiful and impressive as a diamond that is 'eye-clean' or without visible inclusions.
A diamond with visible inclusions may be less expensive, but is it good value for money? Probably not.
It is always recommended to look for diamonds that are 'eye-clean'. Keep in mind that you do not have to spend a fortune to find one. In addition, you can be sure that the diamond you find will be better received by observers than a diamond with visible inclusions.
Consider Lab Grown Diamonds?
With the improvement in quality and production of
lab-grown diamonds, this sector of the industry has grown rapidly. The best part is that they are accessible to just about any budget to help upgrade to designer settings, bigger carats, and better clarity and cut quality - a welcome addition!
A laboratory-grown diamond has essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural diamond. They are created using innovative technology mimicking natural diamond formation, which is a major advantage of lab-grown diamonds - especially over
diamond simulants you may be familiar with.
Savvy shoppers will be pleased to know that using a lab-created diamond is possible in any jewelry piece as long as the design allows for a diamond - including the iconic solitaire engagement ring. We feature the finest Designer Engagement Ring brands including Tacori, Simon G, Verragio, Vatche, Danhov, A.Jaffe and Benchmark - any one of which can be set with a lab grown center diamond.
There are, of course, some downsides as well. As opposed to natural diamonds, they are a technology product and do not have any intrinsic rarity, and little or no resale value. If you’re interested in learning more about lab-grown diamonds,
read our detailed guide here.
Having mastered the art of cut quality, we stock only the highest quality lab diamonds. With superior light performance, color and clarity,
Whiteflash Precision Lab-Grown Diamonds deliver outstanding value to consumers today.
Plus, the savings you get by purchasing a lab grown diamond means you can invest in what matters most to you, whether that is larger carat size or a world class designer brand setting. This allows you to acquire an exceptional diamond ring without breaking the bank.
Please inquire about anything you are looking for, no matter how specific or how different it is. To meet the needs of our clients, we offer a wide range of natural and lab grown diamonds. Please feel free to contact us for any guidance needed or help placing an order, or if you would like to know more about Whiteflash diamonds or value added benefits.
Purchase Eye Clean Diamonds From a Reputable Jeweler
When it comes to buying the perfect eye clean diamond, always buy from a reputable seller. Here at Whiteflash, we take pride in being one of the most trusted diamond and jewelry retailers in the market.
We will always be transparent when it comes to quality and costs. If you’re browsing online and a deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is. With time, the thrill of finding something at a low price fades, but any quality issues (such as visible inclusions) will remain.
You need more than a competitive price to feel confident about your purchase. This is why
Whiteflash takes pride in offering the most comprehensive value proposition in the industry.
Start Your Journey To Eye Clean Diamonds Today
The best way to become familiar with diamonds is to browse them, admire them, be curious and do plenty of research - and you've come to the right place.
At Whiteflash, we offer a wide selection of high quality diamonds and engagement rings in a variety of designs, styles and price ranges to suit every budget.
You can begin your journey towards finding the ideal eye clean diamond, with the best value for money, by perusing what we offer today.
This is a moment to familiarize yourself with what is available, and get to know exactly what qualities you value and what is non-negotiable when it comes to purchasing a quality diamond.
Whenever you need advice or assistance, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be glad to provide our expertise and guidance. We’ve helped many partners
pick out the perfect diamond for their loved one - perhaps you will be the next!