DIAMOND CLARITY

Diamond Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of internal features called inclusions and surface characteristics known as blemishes. These natural markings are formed during the diamond’s creation deep within the earth. Most are microscopic and do not affect a diamond’s beauty, but they do influence value and rarity.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed a standardized scale for grading clarity, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1–I3). Diamonds are examined under 10x magnification to determine their clarity grade.

  • FL – Flawless
    No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare.

  • IF – Internally Flawless
    No inclusions, only minor surface blemishes visible under magnification.

  • VVS1 and VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included
    Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect under 10x magnification, even by trained graders.

  • VS1 and VS2 – Very Slightly Included
    Minor inclusions that are difficult (VS1) or somewhat easy (VS2) to see under magnification, but still invisible to the naked eye.

  • SI1 and SI2 – Slightly Included
    Inclusions visible under magnification and possibly to the naked eye (especially in SI2), depending on the diamond’s size and position of inclusions.

  • I1, I2, and I3 – Included
    Inclusions are clearly visible and may impact transparency, brilliance, and durability. Often used in lower-priced commercial jewelry or decorative pieces.

Diamond Clarity in Commercial Jewelry

Most diamonds used in fine commercial jewelry fall within the VS to SI range:

  • VS1 and VS2 diamonds are a popular choice for high-end settings, offering near-flawless appearance to the naked eye with excellent value.

  • SI1 is widely used in engagement rings and offers a clean look without the premium of higher grades.

  • SI2 may include visible inclusions, but with a well-cut stone and thoughtful setting, it can still appear attractive—especially in smaller sizes.

Diamonds graded VVS and IF are rarer and command higher prices. While desirable, they are less common in mass-market collections due to limited availability and cost. On the other end, I1–I3 clarity grades are generally used in more affordable jewelry or in designs where clarity is not the focus.

It’s important to understand that the quality of a diamond’s clarity is not determined solely by the size of its inclusions. The position, contrast (light vs. dark), and type of inclusion all play a crucial role in how much they affect the diamond’s visual appeal. For example, a small dark inclusion located directly under the table can be more visible and disruptive to brilliance than a larger white inclusion near the edge, which may be easily hidden by a prong. Even if two diamonds share the same clarity grade—such as SI1—the actual impact on beauty and value can differ significantly. This is why it’s essential to evaluate each diamond individually, rather than relying on the clarity grade alone.

Diamonds with fewer and less prominent inclusions exhibit improved light performance, as inclusions can disrupt the path of light through the stone. In a well-cut diamond, light enters through the crown, reflects off the pavilion facets, and returns to the eye as brilliance and fire. Inclusions—especially those located under the table or near the culet—can scatter or absorb light, reducing internal reflection and diminishing optical transparency. Furthermore, inclusions with high contrast (e.g., dark crystals) are more easily detected by the eye and can negatively impact the diamond’s visual clarity and symmetry. As a result, diamonds with minimal, well-positioned inclusions tend to have greater perceived brightness, scintillation, and overall face-up appeal.