4Cs.co.za report lens
Third C: clarity
- Shape
- Stone profile
- Carat
- match
- Colour
- verify
- Clarity
- inspect
- Cut
- route
Match the paper to the stone before price, route, or resale.
Third C: clarity
Clarity is not about perfection. It is about visibility and risk.
Clarity grades describe internal inclusions and external blemishes seen under magnification. A smart buyer asks whether the stone is eye-clean and whether any inclusion threatens durability or tradeability.
Certificate first
4Cs together
Specialist route
Inspection lens
VerifyReport, inscription, measurements
InspectLight return, tint, inclusions
CompareCut, colour, clarity, carat together
RouteBuy, sell, insure, or value differently
Short answer
Clarity is not about perfection. It is about visibility and risk.
Clarity grades describe internal inclusions and external blemishes seen under magnification. A smart buyer asks whether the stone is eye-clean and whether any inclusion threatens durability or tradeability.
Use this rule
Do not judge one C alone. Read the certificate, inspect the actual stone, then decide whether beauty, budget, or resale confidence matters most.
What the grades mean
FL and IF are rare. VVS and VS grades usually carry clean appearance. SI can be good value if the inclusion is not visible to the naked eye and not in a risky position.
Why position matters
A small inclusion under a prong is different from a dark crystal in the table. A feather near the girdle can carry different risk from a pinpoint off to the side.
Selling clarity
When selling, clarity is not negotiated from memory. A certificate, plotted diagram, inscription, and physical inspection protect both seller and buyer.
Decision table
Use the details, not a shortcut.
| Grade band | Plain-English read | Buyer note |
|---|---|---|
| FL/IF | No visible inclusions under grading conditions | Rare, premium priced |
| VVS1/VVS2 | Very difficult to see at 10x | High quality, often overkill for budget buyers |
| VS1/VS2 | Minor inclusions at 10x | Strong value band for many natural diamonds |
| SI1/SI2 | Noticeable at 10x, sometimes eye-visible | Inspect stone, not only grade |
| I1-I3 | Eye-visible inclusions | Price and durability need careful review |
Direct answers
Common questions
What does eye-clean mean?
It means inclusions are not obvious to the unaided eye in normal viewing. The term is practical, not a formal lab grade.
Is SI clarity always bad?
No. Some SI stones are attractive and fairly priced. Others have obvious or risky inclusions. Inspection matters.
Can Prodiam value a diamond without a certificate?
Prodiam can inspect stones, but a recognised grading report usually makes pricing and resale discussions cleaner.
When to involve a specialist
If there is a real diamond, the next step is a certificate-led conversation.
Bring the grading report, photos, invoices, valuations, and any estate paperwork. The goal is to move from generic advice to a stone-specific view.
Sources used