No diamond is truly perfect, but some are close. Diamond clarity is all about how clean a diamond is from the inside out. In this article, we'll explain what clarity means, how it's graded, how it affects beauty and price, and how to pick the best clarity grade for your needs.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity refers to the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external flaws (blemishes) in a diamond. Inclusions are tiny imperfections inside the diamond (e.g., crystals, feathers, clouds) and blemishes are surface flaws (e.g., scratches, nicks)
Clarity doesn't just affect how clean a diamond looks — it can influence how it reflects light and sparkles.
How Is Diamond Clarity Graded
The GIA clarity scale has 11 grades in 6 categories:
| Grade | Description |
| FL | Flawless – No inclusions/blemishes under 10x magnification |
| IF | Internally Flawless – No inclusions, only tiny surface blemishes |
| VVS1–VVS2 | Very, Very Slightly Included – Extremely difficult to see flaws |
| VS1–VS2 |
Very Slightly Included – Minor inclusions, hard to see |
| SI1–SI2 |
Slightly Included – Inclusions may be visible under 10x, sometimes to the eye |
| I1–I3 |
Included – Obvious flaws, visible to the eye, may affect durability |
Can You See the Difference?
Most flaws are invisible to the naked eye in VS and SI1 grades, especially in smaller diamonds (under 1ct). These are called "eye-clean" diamonds.
Factors that affect visibility:
Location – Center flaws are more noticeable than edge ones
Type – Crystals and feathers may catch light more than pinpoints
Size – Inclusions in larger diamonds are easier to spot
Shape – Step cuts (like emerald) show flaws more than brilliant cuts
How Clarity Affects Price
Clarity has a big impact on price, especially in higher grades (VVS or FL), but not always on beauty.
Example: A VS1 may look identical to a VVS1, but it costs 20–30% less.
[Illustration - Price comparison bar chart for diamonds of the same carat but different clarity]
Tip: You can often save money by picking a diamond that's "eye-clean" but not flawless.
Common Clarity Inclusions
Here are a few inclusions jewelers often mention:
Feather: A small crack that can look white or transparent
Crystal: A tiny mineral inside the diamond (can be white, black, or colored)
Cloud: A group of pinpoints that look hazy
Needle: Long, thin crystal inclusion
Cavity: A hole on the surface from polishing or damage
[Illustration - Visual guide showing different inclusion types]
Inclusions are like fingerprints — every diamond is unique!
Choosing the Right Clarity Grade
Here's a practical guide:
| You want | Go for |
| Absolute perfection (collectors) | FL–IF |
| Very high quality + investment appeal | VVS1–VVS2 |
| Eye-clean + excellent value | VS1–VS2 / SI1 |
| Budget-friendly (with visible flaws) | SI2 or I1 |
Also consider:
Round diamonds hide inclusions better than emerald cuts
Inclusions near the edges may be hidden by prongs in the setting
Always review magnified images or videos before buying online
Clarity measures internal and external flaws FL–VVS are rare but not always necessary Most people choose eye-clean diamonds (VS or SI1) for value. Always examine where and what type of inclusions are present.
