Diamond Clarity Grading
Diamond clarity measures how many inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (surface features) a diamond has — and how visible they are under 10× magnification. Most diamonds contain some inclusions. The key question isn’t whether inclusions exist, but whether you can see them with the naked eye. For most buyers, VS2 or SI1 clarity offers the best balance of appearance and value — grades above VS2 are visually identical in normal wear but cost significantly more.
Quick Answer
- Diamond clarity is graded on an 11-point scale from Flawless (FL) to Included 3 (I3)
- VS2 and SI1 are the sweet spot for most engagement rings — eye-clean and excellent value
- Eye-clean means no inclusions visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance
- FL and IF grades are extremely rare and offer no visual advantage over VS grades in everyday wear
- Lab-grown and natural diamonds use the same grading scale — a VS2 is a VS2 regardless of origin
- Cut quality matters more than clarity — a well-cut SI1 outshines a poorly cut VS1
The Clarity Scale at a Glance
Inclusions visible to the naked eye. May affect brilliance and durability. Not recommended for fine jewelry.
Often eye-clean (especially SI1). Best price-to-appearance ratio. Requires stone-by-stone evaluation. Best value overall.
Inclusions invisible to the naked eye. Most popular choice. Excellent value. Recommended for most buyers.
Invisible even to trained graders without effort. Excellent clarity, premium price. No visual advantage over VS in normal wear.
Extremely rare. Less than 1% of diamonds. No practical visual advantage over VS grades. For collectors and connoisseurs.
Which Clarity Grade Should You Choose?
| Diamond Size | Recommended Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 0.75 ct | SI1 or SI2 (if eye-clean) | Inclusions harder to see in smaller stones |
| 0.75–1.50 ct | VS2 or SI1 | Most popular and practical range |
| 1.50–2.00 ct | VS1 or VS2 | Larger stones show inclusions more readily |
| 2.00 ct+ | VS1 or higher | Especially for step-cut shapes (emerald, Asscher) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Paying for VVS or FL when VS2 looks identical in wear. The premium buys rarity on paper, not beauty on your finger.
A clarity grade doesn’t guarantee eye-clean. Always verify with high-resolution images or video for SI1 and SI2 stones.
Never buy a diamond without an IGI or GIA grading report confirming clarity.
Emerald and Asscher cuts show inclusions far more than round brilliants. Go VS1 or higher for step-cut shapes.
Lab-grown diamonds span the full FL–I3 range. Always check the certificate.
Cut quality has greater impact on beauty than clarity. A well-cut SI1 outshines a poorly cut VS1.
Every diamond at DEEVE is IGI certified, verified eye-clean, and set in solid 14K gold with a lifetime warranty. Browse Diamond Rings, Diamond Stud Earrings, and Tennis Bracelets.
Explore related expert resources from Ara Talachian:
Diamond Education Hub → Diamond Buying Guide → IGI Certificate Guide → About the Author →Want the full technical breakdown? Continue below for a detailed expert analysis covering the complete clarity grading scale, inclusion types, grading methodology, eye-clean selection, clarity treatments, and certificate interpretation.
Expert Breakdown: Diamond Clarity Grading Standards and Visual Impact
Defining Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the presence, visibility, and characteristics of inclusions and blemishes. The clarity grading system evaluates these under 10× magnification using standardized GIA methodology. Clarity grading considers five factors: size, number, position, nature, and relief. For a full overview of how clarity fits into the buying decision, see our Lab Grown Diamond Buying Guide.
The Clarity Grading Scale
Flawless and Internally Flawless (FL, IF)
FL: No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification. Extremely rare — less than 1% of diamonds. IF: No inclusions visible under magnification; only insignificant surface blemishes. Both command premium prices due to rarity but offer no visual advantage in normal viewing.
Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)
Minute inclusions extremely difficult (VVS1) or very difficult (VVS2) for skilled graders to see under 10× magnification. Invisible to the naked eye and challenging even for professionals with magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)
Minor inclusions difficult (VS1) or somewhat easy (VS2) for skilled graders to see under magnification but typically invisible to the naked eye. VS grades offer excellent value — VS2 is one of the most popular choices for balancing clarity and cost.
Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)
SI1: Many stones are eye-clean, though this varies by inclusion type, position, and diamond size. SI2: Some stones show inclusions visible to the naked eye, particularly in larger stones. Eye-clean SI2 diamonds exist but require careful selection.
Included (I1, I2, I3)
Obvious inclusions visible to the naked eye that may affect transparency, brilliance, or durability. Not recommended for fine jewelry.
Types of Diamond Inclusions
Natural diamonds: Crystals, clouds, feathers, pinpoints, needles, twinning wisps.
HPHT lab diamonds: Metallic flux (Fe, Ni, Co), graphite, growth sector boundaries.
CVD lab diamonds: Planar defects, silicon inclusions, graphite particles.
For a full technical breakdown of how growth method affects inclusion patterns, see CVD vs HPHT Diamond Growth: Process Differences and Quality Outcomes.
Visual Impact and Eye-Clean Diamonds
Factors affecting eye-clean status: clarity grade, inclusion type, inclusion position, diamond size, and diamond shape. Step cuts (emerald, Asscher) show inclusions more readily than brilliant cuts. When evaluating SI1 or SI2 stones, always request high-resolution images or video of the specific stone.
Clarity in Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds span the full clarity range from FL to I3. IGI applies identical clarity grading standards to both. CVD diamonds achieve high clarity grades more frequently due to controlled growth conditions, but both types produce diamonds across all clarity grades. For a full scientific comparison, see Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural Diamond: Identical Structure, Different Origins.
Clarity Enhancement and Treatments
Laser drilling and fracture filling are the two main clarity treatments. Both require disclosure on certification reports. All DEEVE diamonds are untreated and IGI certified. For a full guide to reading IGI certificates, see Understanding IGI Lab Grown Diamond Certificates.
Related Resources
- Lab Grown Diamond Buying Guide
- CVD vs HPHT Diamond Growth
- Understanding IGI Lab Grown Diamond Certificates
- Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural Diamond
- Diamond Education Hub — All Guides
This guide was authored by Ara Talachian, Master Goldsmith & Certified Gemologist. For more expert resources, visit the Diamond Education Hub.