Diamond Clarity
Clarity grades how far a diamond is free of inclusions and blemishes. Learn the scale from Flawless to I3, and which grades look clean to the naked eye.
Diamond clarity is a measure of how far a diamond does or does not contain internal inclusions (flaws), or external blemishes (marks of various kinds).
Diamonds with no inclusions or flaws are rare, and most diamonds have some flaws - including ones that can only be seen under 10X magnification. Diamonds are graded for clarity according to the level of these inclusions and flaws, and such flaws usually do not affect the diamond's beauty.
There are 11 clarity grades under the clarity grading system of the G.I.A. (the Gemological Institute of America) (opens in new tab). The scale of clarity grades runs between "flawless" - a diamond that is entirely clean and without blemish - and "inclusions", a diamond with small flaws. The exceptional clarity grades are VVS2, VVS1, IF and FL.
The clarity grades in detail
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FL - flawless | Perfect. FL diamonds have no inclusions and no external blemishes. Extremely rare. |
| IF - internally flawless | No inclusions; much sought after because they are so rare. |
| VVS1 - very, very slightly included | Inclusions are hard to see, even using a microscope. One of the grades most sought after for purchase, and it offers exceptional brilliance. |
| VVS2 - very, very slightly included | Inclusions are hard to see even under a microscope and are not visible without magnification. One of the highest grades there is, and represents a fine investment. |
| VS1 - very slightly included | Inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and show only under 10X magnification. Exceptional value for money - an excellent investment. |
| VS2 - very slightly included | Inclusions show only under 10X magnification and are not visible to the naked eye. Exceptional value for the price. |
| SI1 - slightly included | Tiny inclusions visible under 10X magnification but almost invisible to the naked eye. Excellent value for those on a more limited budget. |
| SI2 - slightly included | Tiny inclusions visible under 10X magnification, sometimes visible even without it. Popular with those balancing first-rate quality against a lower budget. |
| SI3 - slightly included | A few inclusions visible under 10X magnification, sometimes visible even without it. (Note: not an official GIA grade.) |
| I1-I2-I3 - inclusions | Inclusions that can sometimes be made out with the naked eye, and of course under 10X magnification. |
For most buyers the goal is an "eye-clean" stone - one with no inclusions visible to the naked eye - rather than the highest possible grade, and grades such as VS2 or SI1 often deliver exactly that at a far lower price than FL or IF. Because a single letter can only tell you so much, it is always worth examining the plotted inclusions on the certificate, and ideally viewing the actual stone, before deciding.
