CLARITY: When diamonds were formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure, traces of other gemstones, minerals or gasses were often trapped inside the diamond material as it cooled. These elements may turn up as tiny specks or crystals that may look like feathers or clouds inside a diamond. These are called inclusions and are often referred to as Nature's fingerprints or a diamond's birthmarks. They are part of what makes each diamond different and unique from the next.

The fewer and less visible these birthmarks are, the more valuable a diamond will be. Clarity is also measured by the GIA's grading scale, and the most valuable and rare grade is F, or flawless. The following chart illustrates the varying grades for Clarity.