Flawless Diamonds Guide
What Are Flawless Diamonds?
The flawless diamond category includes flawless diamonds (FL) and internally flawless diamonds (IF) that showcase the highest diamond clarity.
Flawless diamonds are diamonds with a clarity rating of internally flawless (IF) or flawless (FL). They have no inclusions when viewed by a diamond grader at 10x magnification. FL diamonds are the rarest and have no inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. IF diamonds are also considered part of the flawless category but may have surface blemishes that are visible under 10x magnification.
Flawless diamonds are leading choices for engagement rings and fine jewelry. Whether you choose an FL or IF diamond, you’re sure to pick a show stopping gemstone.
What Makes Flawless Diamonds Special?
Clarity
Flawless diamonds have the highest diamond clarity ratings.
Value
IF and FL diamonds are highly valued for their exceptional features.
Rarity
Both types of flawless diamonds are rare, but FL diamonds are the rarest. Fewer than 1% of all diamonds have FL clarity.
Flawless Diamond Criteria
Characteristics and external features are the key components of diamond clarity grades. Each impacts a diamond’s beauty, with IF and FL having little to no inclusions or blemishes.
Inclusions within a diamond are also known as characteristics. A characteristic can be a feather, wisp, knot, cavity, cloud, graining, or any other inclusion that interrupts the diamond’s pure carbon structure pattern. Inclusions can impact a diamond’s beauty, brilliance, value, and strength.
Blemishes on the exterior of a diamond are also known as external features. A blemish or external feature can be lines, scratches, pits, or nicks. Some can be removed carefully through polishing. Internally flawless diamonds have no inclusions, but they may have some blemishes that are visible under 10x magnification.
Flawless Diamond Benefits
Excessive inclusions in a diamond can compromise its structure and strength in some cases. Luckily, IF and FL diamonds are free of these inclusions. This makes flawless diamonds some of the strongest available due to their uninterrupted pure carbon structure. These diamonds are incredibly durable, though diamond care steps should always be taken to avoid harsh blows to the gemstones.
Lack of inclusions also gives IF and FL diamonds impressive optical performance with maximized scintillation, sparkle and brilliance. The enchanting fire of a diamond, which describes the colorful flashes of light dispersion from high-quality diamonds, is also improved with flawless clarity.
Flawless Diamond Prices
Flawless and internally flawless natural diamonds command the highest prices when compared to other diamonds. This is because IF and FL diamonds are incredibly rare in nature.
A flawless diamond’s price is determined by its color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Diamond shape also influences internally flawless and flawless diamond prices, with round brilliant diamonds carrying higher prices than other shapes in this clarity category.
Carat weight also affects a flawless diamond’s price. Diamonds tend to cost more at whole carat weights, with a 0.95 carat flawless diamond generally costing less than a 1 carat flawless diamond of the same qualities.
Natural flawless diamonds are priced significantly higher than lab-grown diamonds with flawless clarity ratings.
FAQs about Flawless Diamonds
How rare are flawless natural diamonds?
Flawless natural diamonds are incredibly rare. In fact, less than 1% of all diamonds have FL clarity.
Is flawless clarity good?
Yes, flawless clarity is a good thing for diamonds. It improves a diamond’s strength, beauty and brilliance. An IF or FL diamond ring is an exceptional choice.
What are IF diamonds?
Internally flawless diamonds, also known as IF diamonds, are diamonds with no observable inclusions under 10x magnification but some surface blemishes that are visible at 10x magnification. They are in the flawless diamond clarity rating category.
What are FL diamonds?
Flawless diamonds, also called FL diamonds, are diamonds with no inclusions or surface blemishes visible under 10x magnification. They are the highest level in the flawless diamond clarity rating category.
Are these diamonds popular?
Due to their elevated price, flawless diamonds are considered the pinnacle of diamond clarity. They are a popular choice for luxurious rings and other fine jewelry.
What is the difference between IF and FL diamonds?
IF and FL diamonds are both in the flawless diamonds category. The only difference is that IF diamonds, aka internally flawless diamonds, have some surface blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
How much are flawless diamonds?
A flawless diamond’s price depends on its color, cut, clarity, carat, and shape. Generally, smaller IF and FL diamonds will cost less than those above the one carat mark.
What does “eye clean” mean for diamonds?
Eye clean diamonds have no imperfections when viewed without magnification or special tools. Any diamond that looks free of inclusions or blemishes with the unaided eye is an eye clean diamond. IF and FL diamonds are eye clean diamonds.
What else are flawless diamonds called?
Flawless diamonds are also called IF (internally flawless) and FL (flawless) diamonds.
How important is diamond clarity?
A diamond’s clarity influences its fire, brilliance, beauty, and strength. It is considered less important than a diamond’s cut or color, but it is still an important element to keep in mind. Ultimately, clarity grade is a personal choice when diamond shopping.
What are the 4Cs of diamonds?
The 4Cs of diamonds are color, cut, clarity, and carat. Each influences a diamond’s beauty, brilliance and price.
Are IF and FL diamonds the same?
No, IF and FL diamonds are not exactly the same. Both have no internal inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but IF diamonds do have some surface blemishes at this same vantage point. Still, these diamonds are both exceptionally rare and the sole ratings in the flawless diamond clarity category.