Clarity Grades: Internally Flawless Diamonds

Interested in purchasing an Internally Flawless (IF) diamond? Keep reading to learn more about this premium clarity grade. 

Diamond Clarity

What Exactly Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity is one of the 4 Cs of Diamonds. This quality factor measures the presence—or lack thereof—of imperfections.

Both earth-grown and lab-grown diamonds are created following a process involving extreme heat and pressure conditions. In this formation process, diamonds will naturally develop tiny defects. This is normal, and it’s part of what makes each diamond unique, a sort of fingerprint.

Some of these defects can be eliminated through cutting and polishing. Earning the highest Clarity grade possible is one of the main goals in cutting and polishing.

The Clarity Scale Of Diamonds

The GIA developed the Diamond Clarity Scale in the late 1940s. The scale describes six groups which include eleven Clarity grades.

​Image Source: GIA

Diamond Clarity ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included 3 (I3), where FL is the best grade a gem can receive and I3, the lowest. A Clarity grade is determined after studying the gem under magnification. Ritani does not carry I1-I3 diamonds.

Diamond Imperfections

Diamonds can have internal and external imperfections, which are known as inclusions, and blemishes, respectively. Collectively, inclusions and blemishes are called Clarity characteristics. 

There are multiple types of inclusions and blemishes. Diamonds can have both inclusions and blemishes or just one type of characteristic.

The amount, size, location, and variety of characteristics present in a gem, are what dictate its clarity grade.

The Internally Flawless Clarity Grade

What Does It Mean For A Diamond To Be Internally Flawless?

The Internally Flawless (IF) grade is the second highest Clarity grade. For a diamond to obtain this grade, it needs to be clear of internal characteristics (inclusions) when observed under 10x magnification. As the name implies, IF diamonds have no internal imperfections. However, a tiny amount of superficial imperfections (blemishes) can be present.

External Characteristics

A diamond blemish is a general term that describes external flaws. These clarity defects are only superficial and were most likely not polished away in order to retain carat weight. Blemishes include: 

• Polish marks or lines
  
• Abrasions
• Scratches
• Surface graining
• Naturals
  
• Lizard skin
• Rough girdles
• Pits
• Nicks
• Burn marks

In Internally Flawless diamonds, these blemishes are very tiny and are only visible under a loupe or microscope with 10x magnification.

​Internally Flawless vs. Flawless Diamonds

Flawless diamonds have no visible clarity characteristics, neither internal nor external. There is a small difference between the two grades, but the price can vary greatly.

If you were to compare two diamonds with identical features except one is FL and the other one IF, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The truth is, no one could set them apart without using a magnification tool.

Buying a Flawless diamond over an Internally Flawless one is just a matter of personal preference that involves either leaning towards a purity ideal or an investment interest.

Internally Flawless diamonds might not technically be perfect, but they appear so to the naked eye.

Are Internally Flawless Diamonds Rare?

Yes, IF diamonds are very rare. Together with FL diamonds, they account for less than 1% of diamonds. 

How Much Does An Internally Flawless Diamond Cost?

IF diamonds might not have the highest Clarity grade but make no mistake, their price tag is still very exclusive.

All 4 Cs of diamonds have some impact on value. For IF clarity diamonds, the final price is determined by how high or low the stone scores in all the other C’s.

As of August 2022, a 1.00 carat Round Cut IF diamond from Ritani.com can cost anywhere from $3,400 to almost $20,000. That is a broad price range. This is an excellent example of why you cannot judge a diamond based on just one C.

Are Lab-Grown Internally Flawless Diamonds Expensive?

When using the same parameters above but looking only at lab-grown diamonds, the range is between $1,600 and $3,500. 

Lab-grown diamonds are an economical option compared to Earth-grown diamonds with the same quality features. 

Are Internally Flawless Diamonds Worth It?

Clarity is a critical feature for diamonds of a larger size. As diamonds get bigger, their facets grow in size, too, making it a little bit easier to spot any imperfections. That being said, there are other high clarity grades that will look clean to the eye and cost much less.

Internally Flawless diamonds are a great choice for step-cut diamonds such as the emerald-cut or Asscher-cut. This is because these diamond shapes have large, open facets that make it easy to spot any inclusions. By choosing an Internally Flawless diamond for these shapes, you won't have to worry about any pesky inclusions being visible.

If you are trying to stay within a budget, consider how important it’s for you to get an IF diamond instead of, say, spend it on a higher Carat weight and go for a lower Clarity grade.

When rarity is your focus, then an Internally Flawless diamond is an incredible choice.

How To Save On An Internally Flawless Diamond

1. Be Open to Other Diamond Shapes

The round cut is the most expensive diamond shape. There are other cuts that also follow the Brilliant proportions and have amazing sparkling qualities, such as the Oval, Pear, Cushion, and Marquise cuts.

2. Go Smaller

​In the diamond world, ‘purists’ are buyers who look for the highest possible grades across all C’s. If this sounds like you, then a great strategy to get an IF diamond without sacrificing Color or Cut is to opt for a lower Carat weight.

3. Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds

​​Lab-grown diamonds share the same optical, physical, and chemical characteristics as Earth-grown diamonds. If your dream IF diamond is out of your possibilities, look for a Lab-grown, you might still be able to get it!