THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS

Diamond Clarity: Grades, Chart & Complete Guide

Diamond clarity describes the natural characteristics found inside and on the surface of a diamond. Learn how the clarity scale works, compare all 11 grades from FL to I3, understand eye-clean diamonds, and discover which clarity may offer the right balance of beauty and value.

Explore Clarity Grades Find the Right Clarity

✓ 11 Clarity Grades ✓ Buyer-Friendly Guide ✓ 4Cs Education

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Diamond Clarity Hero Image

CLARITY SCALE FL → I3 11 individual grades

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QUICK ANSWER

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is a grading characteristic that describes the presence, size, location, nature and visibility of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).

A higher clarity grade means fewer or less noticeable clarity characteristics under professional examination. However, the highest clarity grade is not automatically the best choice for every buyer. For many shoppers, the goal is finding a diamond that looks clean to the naked eye while balancing cut, color, carat, shape and price.

EXPLORE THE GUIDE

Understand Diamond Clarity at a Glance

Jump directly to the part of the guide you want to explore.

01 Clarity Chart Compare all 11 grades 02 Clarity Grades FL through I3 explained 03 Eye-Clean What you can actually see 04 Inclusions Understand diamond characteristics 05 Diamond Shapes Clarity by shape 06 Buying Guide Choose with confidence

THE BASICS

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamonds are formed under extraordinary conditions deep within the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology. During formation, diamonds can develop internal characteristics or surface features.

These characteristics are commonly discussed as inclusions and blemishes. Gemological laboratories examine them when determining a diamond’s clarity grade.

Clarity is one of the four traditional diamond quality characteristics known as the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

Diamond Cut Guide → Diamond Color Guide → Diamond Carat Guide →

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Diamond Clarity Explained

INTERACTIVE CHART

Diamond Clarity Chart

Select any clarity grade below to understand what it means and how it may fit into a diamond-buying decision.

Higher Clarity Lower Clarity

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Diamond Clarity Grade Image

Flawless

FL — Flawless

A Flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification under the grading conditions.

Category Flawless

Visibility Extremely low

Buyer Focus Rarity & prestige

FL diamonds are exceptionally rare. For many buyers, the visual difference between extremely high clarity grades may be difficult to appreciate without magnification.

THE 11 GRADES

Diamond Clarity Grades Explained

The diamond clarity scale contains 11 individual grades grouped into six broad categories. Each grade represents a different level of clarity characteristics observed during professional grading.

FL Diamond — Flawless

Flawless is the highest clarity grade on the GIA clarity scale. A Flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader under 10× magnification.

FL diamonds are extremely rare and can command a significant premium because of their rarity. However, rarity does not necessarily translate into a visibly more beautiful diamond when compared with a lower clarity stone that is already eye-clean.

Potential Advantages

Exceptional rarity
Highest clarity category
Prestige appeal

Potential Trade-Off

Can carry a substantial premium
May not provide proportional visual benefit

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Flawless Diamond

IF Diamond — Internally Flawless

Internally Flawless diamonds have no inclusions visible to a skilled grader under 10× magnification, although blemishes may be present on the surface.

IF diamonds sit just below FL on the clarity scale. They can appeal to buyers who value exceptional clarity but do not necessarily need the absolute highest FL grade.

FL vs IF: The key distinction is that IF diamonds can have surface blemishes while FL diamonds have neither inclusions nor blemishes visible under the grading conditions.

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Internally Flawless Diamond

VVS

VVS Diamond Clarity

VVS means Very, Very Slightly Included. The category includes VVS1 and VVS2. The inclusions in these diamonds are typically very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.

VVS1

Very, Very Slightly Included 1

Inclusions are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to locate under 10× magnification.

VVS2

Very, Very Slightly Included 2

Inclusions are still very difficult to see under 10× magnification, although they may be easier to identify than those in VVS1.

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER VVS Diamond Clarity

VS Diamond Clarity

VS means Very Slightly Included. It contains two grades: VS1 and VS2.

VS diamonds can offer an attractive balance between clarity and value. Whether a specific VS diamond looks eye-clean depends on the actual stone and the characteristics present.

VS1

Very Slightly Included 1

Minor inclusions that can be difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.

VS2

Very Slightly Included 2

Minor inclusions that can be somewhat easier for a skilled grader to identify.

SI Diamond Clarity

SI means Slightly Included. It includes SI1 and SI2. Inclusions are generally easier to identify under 10× magnification than those in the VS category.

SI1

Slightly Included 1

Some SI1 diamonds can appear eye-clean, but this should be evaluated on the individual diamond.

SI2

Slightly Included 2

Inclusions are generally more noticeable under magnification and may be easier to spot depending on their characteristics.

Buying tip: Don’t reject a diamond solely because it has an SI grade. Look at the actual inclusion’s size, location, contrast and impact on the diamond’s appearance.

I1, I2 & I3 — Included Diamonds

The Included category contains I1, I2 and I3. These diamonds have inclusions that are obvious under 10× magnification and can have a more noticeable effect on transparency and appearance.

Included characteristics are relatively apparent and should be evaluated carefully.

More obvious inclusions may have a stronger visual impact.

The most included category and generally requires especially careful inspection.

COMPARE

Diamond Clarity Grades Comparison

Use this table as a quick reference when comparing clarity categories.

Grade	Category	Characteristics	Typical Buyer Focus
FL	Flawless	None visible under 10×	Maximum rarity
IF	Internally Flawless	No visible inclusions under 10×	Exceptional clarity
VVS1	VVS	Extremely difficult to see	High clarity
VVS2	VVS	Very difficult to see	High clarity
VS1	VS	Difficult minor characteristics	Clarity/value balance
VS2	VS	Somewhat easier to identify	Value-oriented buyers
SI1	SI	More noticeable under 10×	Potential value
SI2	SI	More apparent characteristics	Budget-focused buyers
I1–I3	Included	Obvious characteristics	Requires careful inspection

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Eye-Clean Diamond

BUYER CONCEPT

What Is an Eye-Clean Diamond?

An eye-clean diamond is a diamond whose inclusions are not readily visible to the unaided eye at a normal viewing distance.

Eye-clean is a visual description rather than a separate official clarity grade. Two diamonds with the same clarity grade can look different because their inclusions can vary in size, location, contrast and type.

✓ Inclusion Location Where the characteristic sits can affect visibility.

✓ Inclusion Contrast Dark or contrasting characteristics may stand out more.

✓ Diamond Size Larger stones can make characteristics easier to notice.

✓ Diamond Shape Facet patterns can affect how characteristics appear.

INSIDE THE DIAMOND

Diamond Inclusions vs Blemishes

Clarity characteristics can occur inside a diamond or on its surface. Understanding the difference helps buyers interpret grading reports.

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Inclusions

Inclusions are internal characteristics found within the diamond.

Crystal
Pinpoint
Needle
Cloud
Feather
Twinning wisp
Knot
Cavity
Internal graining

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Blemishes

Blemishes are characteristics found on the surface of a diamond.

Polish lines
Extra facets
Natural
Chips
Abraisons
Bruises

CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Common Diamond Inclusions Explained

Not every inclusion has the same visual or structural significance. Location, size, contrast and nature all matter when evaluating an individual diamond.

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Crystal

A mineral crystal contained within the diamond.

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Pinpoint

A very small inclusion that may appear as a tiny dot.

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Needle

A thin, needle-like inclusion.

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Cloud

A grouping of extremely small inclusions.

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Feather

A fracture-like inclusion that may have a feather-like appearance.

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Twinning Wisp

A group of inclusions associated with growth irregularities.

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Knot

A crystal that reaches the surface of the polished diamond.

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Cavity

A surface-reaching opening or void associated with an inclusion.

GRADING PROCESS

How Is Diamond Clarity Graded?

Professional diamond grading evaluates clarity characteristics under standardized examination conditions.

Examine

The diamond is carefully examined by a trained grader.

Magnify

Clarity is evaluated using 10× magnification.

Evaluate

Characteristics are considered by their size, nature, position, color/relief and quantity.

Grade

The diamond is assigned its position on the clarity scale.

CERTIFICATION

How to Read Diamond Clarity on a Grading Report

A diamond grading report provides important information about a diamond’s characteristics. Buyers should review the report along with the actual diamond rather than relying on the clarity grade alone.

Clarity Grade Shows the assigned clarity grade.

Clarity Characteristics Lists characteristics identified during grading.

Plot May visually map clarity characteristics.

Report Number Provides a unique reference for the report.

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Diamond Grading Report

SHAPE MATTERS

Does Diamond Shape Affect Clarity?

Yes. Different facet patterns and designs can affect how easily clarity characteristics are noticed. Explore the major diamond shapes below.

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Round

Brilliant faceting can help create a lively visual appearance.

Explore Round →

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Oval

Elongated proportions and brilliant faceting can influence inclusion visibility.

Explore Oval →

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Princess

A square brilliant style with strong geometric faceting.

Explore Princess →

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Cushion

Soft corners and different facet patterns can affect clarity appearance.

Explore Cushion →

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Emerald

Step-cut faceting can make inclusions easier to evaluate.

Explore Emerald →

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Asscher

Step-cut geometry creates a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect.

Explore Asscher →

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Radiant

A brilliant-style shape combining trimmed corners with lively faceting.

Explore Radiant →

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Pear

A teardrop shape with a combination of curved and pointed features.

Explore Pear →

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Marquise

An elongated shape with pointed ends and brilliant-style facets.

Explore Marquise →

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Heart

A symbolic shape where symmetry and facet arrangement are important considerations.

Explore Heart →

Read the Complete Diamond Shape Guide →

CLARITY BY SHAPE

Best Diamond Clarity by Shape

There is no single clarity grade that is universally best for every diamond shape. Facet pattern, transparency and inclusion placement should all be considered.

Round Diamond Clarity

Round brilliant diamonds have numerous facets that can create strong sparkle. Compare the actual stone when deciding whether a clarity grade is visually clean.

Oval Diamond Clarity

Ovals use brilliant-style faceting, but the appearance of inclusions can vary depending on the specific stone.

Emerald Cut Clarity

Emerald cuts use step-cut facets that can make clarity characteristics easier to inspect, making careful evaluation particularly useful.

Asscher Cut Clarity

Asscher diamonds use a step-cut design, so buyers may want to pay closer attention to transparency and visible characteristics.

Cushion Diamond Clarity

Cushion diamonds come in different facet arrangements, so clarity appearance can vary significantly between individual stones.

Princess Cut Clarity

Princess diamonds have a square brilliant design. Inspect the actual stone rather than choosing clarity by grade alone.

Radiant Diamond Clarity

Radiant cuts combine brilliant-style faceting with a rectangular or square outline and can offer strong sparkle.

Pear Diamond Clarity

Pear diamonds combine rounded and pointed areas. Examine the stone carefully for visible characteristics.

Marquise Diamond Clarity

The elongated shape can create a distinctive visual appearance, but individual clarity characteristics still need evaluation.

Heart Diamond Clarity

Symmetry is particularly important for heart-shaped diamonds, alongside clarity and overall cut quality.

THE 4Cs

Diamond Clarity vs the Other 4Cs

Clarity is important, but a diamond should be evaluated as a complete combination of cut, color, clarity and carat.

Cut

A major factor in how a diamond interacts with light.

Explore Cut → C

Color

Describes the degree of color in a diamond.

Explore Color → C

Clarity

Describes inclusions and blemishes.

You Are Here → C

Carat

Measures diamond weight, not visual size alone.

Explore Carat →

POPULAR COMPARISON

VVS vs VS Diamond: What’s the Difference?

VVS and VS are both high clarity categories, but they occupy different positions on the clarity scale.

VVS

Very Very Slightly Included

VVS1 and VVS2
Characteristics are very difficult to see under 10×
Higher clarity category
Often carries a higher price premium

Very Slightly Included

VS1 and VS2
Minor characteristics are easier to identify
Lower category than VVS
Can provide a strong clarity/value balance

VS COMPARISON

VS1 vs VS2 Diamond

VS1

Higher VS Grade

VS1 is above VS2 on the clarity scale. Characteristics are generally more difficult to locate under 10× magnification.

VS2

Lower VS Grade

VS2 sits below VS1. Characteristics can be somewhat easier for a skilled grader to identify.

SI COMPARISON

SI1 vs SI2 Diamond

SI1 and SI2 are both Slightly Included grades. The actual diamond should be inspected carefully because inclusion characteristics vary from stone to stone.

SI1

Potential Value Category

Some SI1 diamonds may appear clean to the naked eye depending on their inclusion characteristics.

SI2

More Included

SI2 generally has more noticeable characteristics under magnification and requires careful inspection.

DIAMOND ORIGIN

Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity vs Natural Diamond Clarity

Clarity is one of the characteristics buyers can evaluate when comparing both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The best approach is to compare the actual diamond, its grading report and the complete combination of 4Cs rather than choosing based on origin alone.

Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds →

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamond

BUYING GUIDE

What Diamond Clarity Should I Buy?

The right clarity grade depends on your budget, diamond shape, carat size, cut quality and how important rarity is to you.

Start With Your Budget

Decide how much of your overall diamond budget you want to allocate to clarity.

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Prioritize Cut

Consider overall light performance and visual appearance before chasing the highest possible clarity grade.

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Consider Shape

Some shapes can make clarity characteristics easier to evaluate.

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Check the Actual Stone

Don’t rely on the grade alone. Examine the individual diamond.

BEFORE YOU BUY

Diamond Clarity Buying Checklist

Use this checklist when comparing diamonds online or in person.

Check the grading laboratory Confirm the clarity grade Inspect the actual diamond Look for eye-visible inclusions Check inclusion location Compare similar diamonds Evaluate cut, color and carat Review return policy

DIAMIV TIP

Don’t Buy the Grade. Buy the Diamond.

A clarity grade is an important starting point, but the actual appearance of an individual diamond matters just as much when comparing stones.

AVOID THESE

Common Diamond Clarity Buying Mistakes

Always Choosing the Highest Grade

The highest clarity grade may not provide the best value for every buyer.

Assuming SI Is Always Bad

Individual diamonds can look different even within the same grade.

Assuming VS Is Always Eye-Clean

Eye-clean appearance should be evaluated on the individual stone.

Ignoring Inclusion Location

Location and contrast can influence how noticeable an inclusion is.

Ignoring Diamond Shape

Facet patterns can influence the visual presentation of clarity.

Ignoring Cut Quality

Clarity should be considered alongside overall diamond performance.

VALUE

How Much Does Diamond Clarity Affect Price?

Clarity can influence diamond pricing, but it is only one factor. There is no universal price difference between two clarity grades because many other diamond characteristics also affect value.

01 Carat

02 Color

03 Cut

04 Shape

05 Clarity

06 Origin

KEEP EXPLORING

More Diamond Guides from Diamiv

Continue learning about diamonds before making your purchase.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Clarity

Quick answers to common diamond clarity questions.

Diamond clarity describes the presence, size, location, nature and visibility of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond.

The best clarity depends on your priorities. FL is the highest grade, but many buyers may prefer a lower grade if the diamond looks clean to the naked eye and offers better overall value.

VS2 is a Very Slightly Included clarity grade. Whether a specific VS2 diamond is a good choice depends on its actual inclusions, appearance, shape, cut and price.

SI1 can be worth considering for value-focused buyers. Some SI1 diamonds can appear clean to the naked eye, but the actual stone should always be inspected.

VVS can appeal to buyers who value very high clarity, but whether the premium is worthwhile depends on your budget and priorities.

FL means Flawless. It is the highest grade on the GIA clarity scale.

IF means Internally Flawless. No inclusions are visible to a skilled grader under 10× magnification, although surface blemishes may be present.

VVS means Very, Very Slightly Included and includes VVS1 and VVS2.

VS means Very Slightly Included and includes VS1 and VS2.

SI means Slightly Included and includes SI1 and SI2.

Eye-clean appearance varies by individual diamond. Some diamonds in lower clarity grades may appear clean to the naked eye, while higher-grade diamonds should still be evaluated based on the actual stone.

SI1 inclusions are easier to identify under 10× magnification, but whether they are visible without magnification depends on the individual diamond.

VS1 is higher on the clarity scale than VS2. However, “better” value depends on the actual diamond and its overall combination of characteristics.

VVS1 is higher on the clarity scale than VVS2. The practical visual difference can be difficult to appreciate without magnification.

Yes. Different facet patterns can affect how clarity characteristics are presented and perceived.

Carat weight and clarity are separate characteristics, but a larger diamond can make certain inclusions easier to notice.

Significant inclusions can affect transparency, but cut quality is a major consideration when evaluating a diamond’s light performance and sparkle.

Inclusions are internal characteristics, while blemishes are characteristics found on the diamond’s surface.

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Clarity Is Only One Part of the Diamond.

Compare clarity alongside cut, color, carat, shape and diamond origin to find a stone that fits your preferences and budget.

Explore Diamond Cut → Explore Diamond Color → Lab-Grown vs Natural →