When admiring a diamond’s brilliance, most people notice its sparkle long before its subtle inner details. Yet, within every natural diamond lies a hidden world — tiny formations known as inclusions that tell the story of its creation deep within the Earth. These natural features are more than imperfections; they are the diamond’s own fingerprint, proof of its authenticity and origin.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we believe that understanding clarity allows you to appreciate a diamond’s true character — not just its appearance. Whether you’re selecting from our range of Certified Diamonds Cape Town or commissioning a piece of bespoke fine jewellery, clarity is one of the most important aspects to understand when evaluating quality and value.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity is a measure of how free a diamond is from internal and external characteristics. In gemmological terms, these are known as inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (surface features). They are formed naturally during the diamond’s growth, as carbon crystals bond under immense heat and pressure over billions of years.
To the trained eye, inclusions reveal a diamond’s geological journey — a record of the extraordinary natural forces that shaped it. Rather than detracting from its beauty, they affirm that the gem was formed in nature, not manufactured in a laboratory.
At Prins & Prins, our gemmologists view these characteristics with respect. Every inclusion is examined under 10x magnification, not to find flaws, but to read the diamond’s natural story — a story written long before it ever reached our hands.
How Inclusions Form — Nature’s Signature
A diamond’s inclusions are born during its formation deep beneath the Earth’s crust, some 150 to 200 kilometres below the surface. As the diamond crystal grows, it may trap tiny minerals, fractures, or growth patterns that reflect the surrounding environment at that exact moment in geological history.
Common inclusions include:
- Crystals or minerals — tiny natural crystals trapped inside the diamond.
- Feathers — small internal fractures that appear white or transparent.
- Needles — fine, elongated inclusions formed by mineral impurities.
- Clouds — clusters of microscopic inclusions that create a hazy area.
Each of these features is entirely natural — much like the unique lines in a fingerprint. They are a testament to authenticity and the diamond’s natural formation, distinguishing it from synthetic diamonds that lack this intricate internal structure.
The Grading Scale — From Flawless to Included
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the universal clarity grading scale, which ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
Here’s a simplified overview:
| Grade | Description |
| FL / IF | Flawless or Internally Flawless — no inclusions visible under 10x magnification. |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very, Very Slightly Included — minute inclusions, extremely difficult to see. |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very Slightly Included — minor inclusions visible under magnification. |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly Included — inclusions visible under magnification, rarely to the naked eye. |
| I1–I3 | Included — inclusions visible to the naked eye. |
The difference between one grade and another can be subtle, but it can also significantly influence a diamond’s value. Our expert gemmologists assess clarity with precision, ensuring that each diamond at Prins & Prins is graded honestly and transparently — never overstated, never under-described.
Inclusions and Value — Finding the Balance
While clarity affects value, it is only one aspect of a diamond’s beauty. In reality, a well-cut diamond with excellent light performance often appears more brilliant than a flawless one with a poorer cut. A small, well-placed inclusion may have no visual impact at all, yet significantly improve the diamond’s price point.
At Prins & Prins, we guide our clients to focus on balance — selecting diamonds where clarity supports both beauty and budget. In many cases, inclusions can even make a diamond more individual, offering a unique identity within its brilliance.
Why Clarity Matters in Jewellery Design
When crafting Diamond Jewellery, clarity plays a subtle yet important role in design. For example:
- High-clarity diamonds suit minimalist settings, such as solitaires, where every facet is visible.
- Slightly included diamonds may be ideal for halo or pavé designs, where brilliance takes centre stage and inclusions are less noticeable.
Our master goldsmiths at Prins & Prins work closely with each client to select diamonds whose clarity enhances the overall design. Every ring, pendant, or pair of earrings is created to highlight the gem’s best qualities — ensuring the finished piece radiates both natural beauty and technical excellence.
The Role of Certification — Trust in Every Detail
True clarity cannot be seen with the naked eye alone; it must be verified by independent certification. Every diamond at Prins & Prins is accompanied by a recognised grading report from trusted laboratories such as GIA or EGL.
These certificates detail each diamond’s clarity grade, cut, colour, carat weight, and unique plot of inclusions. This transparency ensures that what you purchase is genuine and ethically sourced.
Explore our curated collection of Certified Diamonds Cape Town to see the range of options available — each one verified for provenance, authenticity, and clarity.
The Prins & Prins Approach — Clarity, Honesty, and Heritage
Within the heritage walls of Huguenot House, every diamond that enters our collection is meticulously examined by experienced gemmologists. Each inclusion, facet, and reflection is studied under magnification to ensure that our clients receive diamonds of true integrity.
For us, clarity is not merely a technical grade — it represents honesty. Every diamond we present reflects our values of transparency, trust, and education. Clients are invited to view their chosen diamonds under magnification and learn from our experts, because understanding your diamond’s story is part of its beauty.
Conclusion — Every Inclusion Tells a Story
A diamond’s inclusions are not flaws to be hidden, but signatures of its natural creation — tangible proof of its authenticity. They connect the wearer to the Earth’s ancient forces, to time itself.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we celebrate these natural features as part of what makes every diamond unique. From ethically sourced rough to expertly cut brilliance, our diamonds embody not only clarity of appearance but also clarity of conscience.
Whether you’re investing in a Certified Diamond or commissioning Diamond Jewellery crafted within the historic walls of Huguenot House, you can trust that your gem has been chosen with integrity, expertise, and care.
Because in the end, true beauty lies not in perfection, but in truth — and every diamond has a story worth telling.
