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 contain internal features.Inclusion(internal inclusions) and external featuresBlemishThe clarity grade is determined by taking into account the number, size, relief (color and outline), nature, and location of these defects. The clarity grade and characteristics are also stated in the certificate.



It's easy to imagine that smaller size and fewer numbers are better, but location is also important. If there are inclusions or blemishes in the center, they will be more visible, but less visible at the edges. Also, if there is color, they will be easier to see, so colorless is better. 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 put it simply, although it depends on the carat weight and the condition of the diamond, if it is up to 1 carat and has a grade of 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 say is based on my experience serving many customers. The grades are as follows:Six categories,11 gradesIt is divided into:

Class I stones are significantly cheaper, but some may not look shiny at all. We strongly recommend that you check the actual product before choosing Class I stones.
Also, for stones over 1 carat, even SI class stones may have inclusions 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 making a decision.
At Hojudo, we inspect all diamonds before purchasing them, so even SI class diamonds are hard to see with the naked eye. Please note that even within the same class, there are differences in quality.

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

Diamonds sold at famous brand stores are generally in the IF to VS class. For this reason, many Hojudo customers choose VS class, but there are also many who choose SI class and increase the carat weight. To broaden the range of choices for prioritizing which of the 4Cs to choose, Hojudo stocks a full range of diamonds from FL to SI class. We also carry many rare, top-quality flawless (FL) diamonds.
If you would like to see the diamonds in person, please feel free to come and visit us.
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 You will be highly satisfied if you choose this grade. VVS is in the middle of the range in the table, but it is at a level where even experienced graders have difficulty finding inclusions. It is a very beautiful diamond. If you are still not satisfied, try IF or FL, even though they are a little more expensive.

SI classIt is better to increase the carat weight by SI2. The difference in appearance is almost imperceptible even with SI class. If you are excited by the size of the diamond, you can also reduce the clarity a little. However, if the diamond 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 Hojudo who want to achieve balance.VS ClassMany people choose this. It is also reassuring because the general public often cannot see the image 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 magnifying glass to confirm, but if that's not possible or you're having trouble choosing the clarity, please use this as a reference.
At Hojudo, you can actually see the diamonds in stock using a 10x magnifying glass, so please feel free to ask.