When shopping for diamonds, clarity represents one of the four essential qualities (the 4Cs) that determine a stone’s beauty and value. While many buyers fixate on carat weight or color, understanding clarity can help you make smarter purchasing decisions that balance visual appeal with value. This comprehensive guide explains what diamond clarity actually means, how it’s graded, and how to select the perfect clarity level for your needs.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (external features) that affect a diamond’s appearance. These natural characteristics formed during the diamond’s creation deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure.
Common inclusions include:
- Crystal inclusions (tiny minerals trapped inside)
- Feathers (small internal cracks)
- Clouds (clusters of pinpoint inclusions)
- Needles (thin, elongated inclusions)
- Twinning wisps (growth irregularities)
External blemishes might include:
- Polish lines
- Surface scratches
- Extra facets
- Natural rough diamond surface remnants
The Diamond Clarity Scale: Understanding the Grades
The diamond industry uses a standardized scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to evaluate clarity. Diamonds are examined under 10× magnification by trained gemologists who consider the size, number, position, nature, and visibility of inclusions and blemishes.
Flawless (FL)
These extraordinary diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes even under 10× magnification. They represent the pinnacle of diamond purity and account for less than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds. Their extreme rarity commands significant price premiums.
Internally Flawless (IF)
Internally Flawless diamonds contain no internal inclusions visible under magnification, though they may have minor surface blemishes. These diamonds are exceptionally rare and mainly sought by collectors and connoisseurs.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
VVS diamonds contain minuscule inclusions that are extremely difficult for even trained gemologists to locate under 10× magnification. In VVS1 diamonds, inclusions are virtually invisible and can only be identified with great effort. VVS2 diamonds have inclusions that are slightly more detectable but still require significant expertise to find.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
VS diamonds contain minor inclusions that are relatively difficult to see under magnification but remain invisible to the naked eye. VS1 inclusions are characterized as very difficult to see, while VS2 inclusions are somewhat easier for a trained observer to spot under magnification. These grades offer excellent clarity for the discerning buyer who wants quality without the premium of flawless stones.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
SI diamonds contain noticeable inclusions under magnification. SI1 inclusions are typically not visible to the naked eye, while SI2 inclusions might be visible upon close inspection without magnification, depending on their size, nature, and position. These grades offer good value when carefully selected.
Included (I1, I2, and I3)
I-grade diamonds contain inclusions visible to the naked eye that may affect transparency and brilliance. I1 diamonds have obvious inclusions but retain reasonable appearance, while I2 and I3 diamonds have increasingly prominent inclusions that significantly impact beauty and potentially durability.
The Practical Impact of Clarity Grades
Visual Appeal
The most important practical consideration for most buyers is whether a diamond appears “eye-clean” – showing no visible inclusions to the unaided eye. Typically:
- FL through VS2: Always eye-clean
- SI1: Usually eye-clean (depends on specific inclusions)
- SI2: Sometimes eye-clean (careful selection required)
- I1-I3: Visibly included to the naked eye
Structural Integrity
Certain types and locations of inclusions can impact a diamond’s durability:
- Large feathers extending to the surface may increase vulnerability to chipping
- Inclusions near girdle edges pose higher risk
- Clustered inclusions can create weak points
Light Performance
Inclusions can interfere with light traveling through a diamond:
- Dark or large inclusions may create visible shadows
- Numerous inclusions can reduce overall brilliance
- Certain inclusion patterns may create visible reflections
Price Impact of Clarity Grades
Clarity significantly impacts diamond pricing, but the relationship isn’t linear:
- The jump from FL to IF is relatively modest (both are premium grades)
- Moving from IF to VVS1 typically saves 10-15%
- The difference between VVS2 and VS1 saves another 10-15%
- VS2 to SI1 transition offers another 15-20% savings
- SI2 may cost 25-30% less than SI1
- I1 diamonds typically cost 40-50% less than SI1
For a 1-carat round diamond with G color and excellent cut, approximate price differences might look like:
- FL: $12,000+
- IF: $10,500+
- VVS1: $9,000+
- VVS2: $8,500+
- VS1: $7,500+
- VS2: $6,800+
- SI1: $5,500+
- SI2: $4,500+
- I1: $3,000+
Finding Your Clarity Sweet Spot
For Most Buyers: VS2-SI1
The VS2 to SI1 range represents the “sweet spot” for most consumers, balancing clarity and value. These diamonds:
- Appear flawless to the naked eye
- Cost significantly less than higher clarity grades
- Allow budget allocation to other important factors like cut quality
For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Carefully Selected SI2
Some SI2 diamonds can be eye-clean, particularly if:
- Inclusions are white/transparent rather than dark
- Inclusions are positioned away from the center of the diamond
- The diamond has excellent cut quality (which enhances brilliance and can mask inclusions)
For Perfectionists and Investors: VVS and Above
If absolute clarity is your priority or you’re purchasing for investment:
- VVS grades offer technical near-perfection at lower premiums than FL/IF
- FL/IF grades represent the pinnacle of diamond purity and rarity
Expert Shopping Strategies
Leverage Diamond Shape
Some shapes more readily conceal inclusions:
- Round brilliants and cushion cuts with their many facets mask inclusions effectively
- Emerald and Asscher cuts with their large, open tables make inclusions more visible
Consider Diamond Size
Larger diamonds make inclusions more noticeable:
- A SI1 inclusion in a 0.5-carat diamond may be invisible
- The same inclusion in a 3-carat diamond might be visible
Examine Inclusion Type and Position
Not all inclusions are equal:
- White/reflective inclusions are less visible than dark ones
- Inclusions under facets are better camouflaged than those under table areas
- Multiple small inclusions often impact appearance less than a single large one
Request High-Resolution Images
When shopping online:
- Ask for magnified images showing inclusion locations
- Request videos showing the diamond in motion under different lighting
- If available, review inclusion plots from certification reports
Certification: Your Clarity Guarantee
Always purchase diamonds with certification from respected laboratories, particularly:
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- American Gem Society (AGS)
These organizations provide unbiased clarity assessments using standardized criteria. Be cautious of laboratories with inflated clarity grades that don’t align with industry standards.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Grade
While clarity grades provide important guidance, remember that each diamond is unique. Two diamonds with identical clarity grades can look noticeably different depending on the specific characteristics of their inclusions. Trust your eyes as well as the certification, and when possible, view diamonds in person or through high-definition video before purchasing.
By understanding clarity grades and their real-world implications, you can make an informed choice that balances beauty, durability, and value for your specific needs and budget.
