What Are Flawless Diamonds And Internally Flawless Diamonds (FL & IF Lab diamonds)?

Ever heard diamond experts talking about diamonds? They use many jargons that a lay person may not understand. One such term is flawless. The flawlessness of a diamond determines its clarity – another term most commonly associated with diamond grades.

In this blog, we’ll focus on clarity of diamonds talking about flawless diamonds with special attention on internally flawless (IF) and flawless (FL) diamonds. Read on.

What is a Flawless Diamond?

Diamonds are supposed to be perfect. They are graded for the 4Cs — diamond color, cut, carat, and clarity. The clarity grade is determined by the flawlessness of the diamonds, meaning the lesser the flaws in the diamond, the higher it ranks on the diamond clarity scale.

What are Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds?

Flawless (FL) and internally flawless (IF) diamonds are highest on the diamond quality chart. This means they are the most flawless diamonds. To put things in perspective, FL diamonds and IF diamonds represent less than 0.5% of the diamonds in the world.

FL and IF diamonds are so flawless, they don’t have visible inclusions under extremely strong magnification. The diamonds are flawless, extremely rare, and hence, very expensive. But how expensive are these diamonds? There’s no for sure answer to this because the price of a diamond depends on many other factors. Besides, if it’s a lab grown diamond of FL grade, it’s going to cost much less than a mined FL diamond.

Advantages of flawless diamonds

Flawless diamonds are considered more valuable for many reasons. Here are some of those reasons and advantages of buying flawless diamonds.

1. Excellent optical performance

Flawless diamonds do not have visible inclusions, internally or externally. This ensures light travels perfectly and reflects well. Every ray of light travels through the diamond without any interference. Thus, flawless diamonds display fire and brilliance.

2. It is rare and has investment potential

In mined diamonds, flawless diamonds are extremely rare. Less than 1% of mined diamonds are flawless. This makes the flawless diamond a priced possession. Flawless diamonds are considered luxury and valuable and hence lab diamond are a good investment option.

3. Provides satisfaction

For customers looking for perfect diamonds for engagemen ringst or wedding rings, flawless diamonds provide immense emotional satisfaction. Knowing that a diamond they bought is of the highest quality and perfection adds emotional value to the diamond.

Difference between Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds

There are some differences between FL diamonds and IF diamonds. The main difference is the blemishes, graining, extra facets, and small regions in internally flawless diamonds. Another difference is the price. FL diamonds are more expensive than IF diamonds, as the latter has some inclusions. However, the bottom line is, one can never tell FL diamonds from IF diamonds by the naked eye.

FL & IF Diamond Prices

FL and IF diamonds are amongst the top quality diamonds because they are flawless and do not have inclusions. This is also a reason they are amongst the most expensive diamonds, whether they are lab grown diamonds or mined.

On the diamond clarity scale, FL and IF diamonds are right next to VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds, which are very very slightly included. Fl and IF are more expensive than VVS1 and VVS2. FL and IF diamonds are hard to distinguish with the naked eye. They have similar clarity, and hence, experts suggest it is better to avoid FL and IF for customers who are on a budget.

Should You Buy FL and IF Diamonds?

FL and IF diamonds are extremely expensive as they are the best quality diamonds. On the diamond clarity scale, these diamonds are right next to VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds, which are very very slightly included. VVS diamonds are cheaper than FL and IF diamonds because they have slight inclusions.

For those who are on a budget, VVS diamond grades are a better option than FL and IF. The reason being, FL and IF diamonds cannot be differentiated by the naked eye. Their clarity looks the same. Hence, it’s pointless to spend on FL and IF if you are on a budget. You could buy a little bigger size diamond for the same price that you’d pay for FL and IF diamonds.

However, for those who want the best, FL and IF diamonds are the most suitable. Perfectionists don’t settle for less and hence, should go for the best quality. If you are also particular about diamond color, colored diamonds of FL and IF grade would cost more. You can find different diamond shapes of FL and IF quality.

FL diamonds would definitely provide satisfaction and peace of mind since you know you’ve got the best. The diamond you choose depends on the value you place on different factors of diamonds.

Which one should you choose: flawless or internally flawless?

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best option for you between flawless and internally flawless diamonds:

When to choose flawless diamonds

• If you do not want to compromise on perfection and quality

• As a potential investment

• For rarity and exclusivity

• If you have the budget to buy a high-quality diamond

• If you’re going to keep the diamond forever as family heirloom

When to choose internally flawless diamonds

• If you want exceptional clarity but do not want to pay for FL

• If visual perfection is more important than technical

• Consider if the diamond jewelry setting design can hide the imperfections

• If you value clarity but want better value overall by paying a little less

Compare prices of flawless and internally flawless

The difference between the price of flawless and internally flawless diamonds can be significant and involves several factors. For instance, the price of FL diamonds increases based on carat weight increase. Its price is around 15 to 20% more than IF diamonds.

The prices of these two diamond qualities also depend on the supply and demand factor, the diamond shape, color grade, certifications, and market dynamics. FL diamonds may appreciate in value better than IF diamonds.

Tips to buy flawless diamonds

• Always buy diamonds that have proper certification from globally accepted grading institutions, such as GIA and AGS.
• Consider the 4Cs grading of each diamond.
• Assess the diamond’s performance under different light conditions.
• Consider the diamond shape, as some shapes hide inclusions better.
• Consider the jewelry setting for the diamond as it may impact its performance.
• Buy diamonds from reputed diamond manufacturers, such as Grown Diamond Corporation.

Over to you

Now that you know what flawless and internally flawless diamonds are, and the difference between the two, you can make better purchase decisions. The best way to go about selecting a good diamond is to know about the clarity of diamonds, but not to strictly follow the clarity scale. Rather, go for a diamond that suits both your taste and budget.