Tiny crystals are trapped inside diamonds during their formation. As the crystals grow, irregularities in their atomic structure occur. These are called inclusions, and most diamonds have internal features.Inclusions(inclusions) and external featuresBlemishThe clarity grade is evaluated based on the number, size, relief (color and outline), nature, and location of these features. The clarity grade and characteristics are also stated in the appraisal report.



It is easy to imagine that smaller sizes and fewer numbers are better, but the location is also important. If there are inclusions or blemishes in the center, they will be easier to see and harder to see at the edges. Also, if there is color, they will be easier to see, so it is better to have colorless stones. Also, since it is a comprehensive evaluation, the grade may differ depending on the appraisal agency. So, let's take a look at what grades there are actually.

To get straight to the point, although it depends on the carat weight and condition of the diamond, if it is up to 1 carat and the grade is SI or above, it is generally difficult to judge with the naked eye. Of course, there are individual differences, so please understand that what I am about to tell you is based on my experience serving many customers. The grades are as follows:Six Categories,11 gradesIt is divided into:

Class I is much cheaper, but depending on the item, it may not look shiny at all. We strongly recommend that you check the actual product before choosing Class I.
Also, for stones over 1 carat, even SI class stones may have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. VS class or higher is safer, but if you want an SI class stone, you should see the actual stone before deciding.
At Houjudo, we check all diamonds before purchasing them, so we stock SI class diamonds that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Please note that there are good and bad diamonds even within the same class.

SI2 and FL look almost the same to the naked eye, but the price is 2 to 4 times higher. Therefore, clarity is a matter of personal preference.

Diamonds handled by famous brand stores are generally IF to VS class. For this reason, many Hojudo customers choose VS class, but there are also many customers who choose SI class and increase the carat weight. To give customers a wider range of options for which of the 4Cs to prioritize, Hojudo stocks a full range of diamonds from FL to SI class. We also have many rare, top-quality flawless (FL) diamonds.
If you would like to see the diamonds in person, please feel free to come.
We can also look for diamonds that are not in stock, so please feel free to contact us.

▼Diamonds in stock at Hojudo

VVS～FL If you choose this grade, you will be very satisfied. VVS is in the middle of the list, but it is difficult for experienced graders to find inclusions. It is a very beautiful diamond. If you are still not satisfied, choose IF or FL, although they are a little more expensive.

SI classIt is better to increase the carat weight by SI2. The difference in appearance is almost indistinguishable even with the SI class. If you are excited by the size of the diamond, you can also reduce the clarity a little. However, if it is over 1 carat, SI2 may be visible to the naked eye (although this depends on the individual), so it is better to go for SI1 or VS2.

There are many customers at Houjudo who want to achieve balance.VS ClassMany people choose this. It is also reassuring because the general public often cannot check the quality even at 10x magnification. If you are ordering online, we recommend VS class or higher.
It's best to actually look at the diamond with a 10x loupe to check, but if that's not possible or you're having trouble choosing the clarity, we hope you'll use this as a reference.
At Houjudo, you can actually view the diamonds in stock with a 10x loupe, so please feel free to ask.