Diamond Clarity
During the diamond growth process, microscopic impurities or imperfections become present within the diamond. These imperfections are known as diamond inclusions. Inclusions are extremely common within diamonds and are essentially birthmarks that give every diamond uniqueness. You may have heard the phrase “no two diamonds are ever alike.” Well, inclusions are the reason. No two diamonds will have the same number, size, location and type of inclusions, even if they have the same clarity grade assigned by GIA or IGI.
Inclusions have direct implications on a diamond’s sparkle. Inclusions, again, depending on the size, number, location and type, can reduce diamond sparkle by preventing light from refracting and passing through the diamond and back to your eye. Based on the factors mentioned above, a diamond’s clarity is subjective graded and set in a range. This range is known as the diamond clarity scale. It was created by GIA and is the industry wide standard for diamond grading and comparison. This diamond clarity rating is the one that is most respected for accuracy and consistency.
Key Points
- When evaluating the 4C's, clarity is the third most important characteristic because most imperfections cannot be seen unless under at least 10 times magnification. ( Cut is the most important 4C to consider)
- Clarity refers to tiny imperfections that occur naturally called inclusions. Diamonds with the least and smallest inclusions obtain the highest clarity grades by GIA.
- To maximize your budget, consider an SI quality diamond, knowing that it may have very slight inclusions visible to the naked eye if the stone is examined very closely. Generally, it's not the case.
Clarity refers to the tiny, natural imperfections that are present in all but the rarest and highest quality diamonds. The less inclusions, the better the clarity. The better the clarity, the more sparkle and light performance. Gemologists refer to these imperfections by a variety of technical names, including blemishes and inclusions. Because these imperfections tend to be microscopic, they do not generally affect a diamond's beauty in any discernible way.
Browse DiamondsClarity Scale
Diamonds range in clarity from FL - I3. Inclusions are examined at 10x magnification. Inclusions up to a certain range can only been seen under magnification oftentimes only by a diamond expert, but those in lower clarities that are not considered eye-clean have inclusions that can be seen by the naked eye as well.
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FL: Flawless
Flawless: a FL diamond has no inclusions or characteristics (blemishes) inside or on its surface. It is extremely rare and is an exquisite symbol of perfection. Less than 0.1% of all gem quality diamonds are in this category. They have the highest premium and are typically found in smaller sized diamonds. With this clarity you cannot see any inclusions or blemishes even with 10x magnification and those too can only be found by a skilled grader.
IF: Internally Flawless
Internally Flawless: an IF diamond has no inclusions and may possess very minute undetectable surface blemishes. It is extremely rare and truly gorgeous. These tiny blemishes do not affect sparkle and are known as minor details of polish such as polish lines. These imperfections can be found only by a skilled grader in 10x magnification.
VVS1: Very, Very Slightly Included 1
Very, Very Slightly Included 1: a VVS1 diamond has very minute inclusions that are extremely small, and often undetectable by many diamond professionals, even under 10x magnification. VVS1 offers a much better value than FL or IF and still has virtually the same appeal. Diamond sparkle is unaffected as the inclusions are so small that light is barely affected. The most common VVS1 inclusions are pinpoint and natural. Typically, VVS1 inclusions are only visible from the pavilion, under magnification. To the naked eye, the inclusions are not visible making these diamonds eye-clean. Learn more about VVS diamonds.
VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included 2
Very, Very Slightly Included 2: a VVS2 diamond has very minute inclusions that are extremely small, but are slightly more visible under magnification than VVS1. This clarity grade is considered the best value of the higher clarities and does not compromise your diamond’s brilliance. Inclusions can rarely be found, even under 10x magnification. The most common VVS2 inclusions include cloud, pinpoint, feather and natural. Learn more about VVS diamonds.
VS1: Very Slightly Included 1
Very Slightly Included 1: a VS1 diamond has very minor inclusions that can be seen only under magnification. VS is a very popular clarity range. The inclusions in VS1 diamonds cannot be viewed by the naked eye and have minimal impact on diamond sparkle. The largest factor in grading a VS1 is the size of the grade setting inclusion. The most common VS1 inclusions include cloud, feather, needle, crystal, indented natural. Learn more about VS diamonds.
VS2: Very Slightly Included 2
Very Slightly Included 2: a VS2 diamond has very minor inclusions that look only slightly larger than a VS1 under magnification. A VS2 is not noticeable to the unaided eye and is extremely popular because its value allows you to focus your budget on another Cut, Color or Carat. VS2 diamonds tend to have a few more inclusions than VS1 and the size is slightly larger, while still microscopic. The common VS2 inclusions include crystal, feather, indented natural, cloud and twinning wisp. The location of inclusions isn’t very impactful in VS diamonds. Learn more about VS diamonds.
SI1: Slightly Included 1
Slightly Included 1: Additionally, we recommend choosing SI diamonds with more inclusions rather than a single inclusion. With a single grade setting inclusion, it must be larger and more visible in order to be an SI clarity diamond. The common SI1 diamond inclusions are crystal Slightly Included 1: a SI1 diamond will sparkle brilliantly even with its minor inclusions that may be invisible to the unaided eye. SI1 is extremely popular because its value allows you to focus your budget on another Cut, Color or Carat. It is considered a high clarity grade at a great price. In SI diamonds, it is recommended to choose diamonds with inclusions that are off center and closer to the girdle of the diamond. These are rarer to find and so they carry a Premium feather, twinning wisp, cloud, knot and indented natural. SI diamonds.
Be wary of single crystals or clouds that they can be eye visible or make the diamond look hazy, cloudy or milky. Be sure to analyze diamonds on a case by case basis so that you are getting one of excellent quality.
SI2: Slightly Included 2
Slightly Included 2: an SI2 diamond will possess high sparkle and is comprised by clarity inclusions that may be visible without magnification, when examined closely. Most SI2 inclusions are undetectable to the unaided eye. SI clarity grades tend to offer great value. Like SI1 diamonds, avoid larger, single inclusions. On the GIA report, these can be identified by the diamond plot where inclusions are marked or by the inclusion comments.
Avoid SI2 diamonds that have a grade setting inclusion that is cloud or a large, center crystal. Crystals in SI diamonds are typically black and so they are more visible without magnification. Common SI2 inclusions are larger crystals, twinning wisps, feathers, clouds and knots. SI diamonds.
I1: Included 1
Included 1: an I1 diamond will shine bright despite eye visible inclusions clarity inclusions. The inclusions can be visible without magnification when the diamond is closely examined, depending on size and location. I1 clarity grades can be very budget conscious, and can really allow you to reach a greater carat weight or desirable color grade. Diamonds in this category have little or no structural impact from inclusions, but it is recommended to avoid diamonds with a single, larger grade setting inclusion. Often, inclusions will reflect in other diamond facets, making them more noticeable.
Common I1 inclusions are large crystals, feathers, clouds, knots and activities. With Clarity does not carry any diamonds in the I2 or I3 range as the clarity inclusions in these really start to distract from the sparkle and the beauty of the diamond. I2 and I3 diamonds are not recommended for an engagement ring. However if you must choose an I diamond, stay within the I1 clarity range. For these diamonds, be sure to choose one in which the inclusions are scattered or spread on the diamond. If inclusions are very large or are concentrated in one area, this can really inhibit the sparkle of the diamond. Inclusions that are on the sides of the diamonds or closer to the edges can also potentially be covered by prongs. One more important consideration to make is that I clarity grade diamonds that have very clean looking plots but are still graded in the I range can be cloudy or hazy with a lack of sparkle. If selecting an I1 diamond be sure to consult with our gemologists to understand the look and value of the diamond before moving ahead with your purchase.
Learn more about Diamond Pricing
Laboratory Grown Diamond Clarity vs Naturally Grown Diamond Clarity
Lab diamonds have been an increasingly popular option for engagement rings and jewelry. Moreover, traditional white (clear) lab diamonds are particularly popular. Lab made diamonds are created in controlled settings using carbon, a diamond seed, high pressure, and high temperature. There are two primary methods to making lab diamonds: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
Lab diamond inclusions can take place during diamond growth, or during cutting and polishing, just like mined diamonds. It is known that CVD diamonds tend to show more silicon inclusions.
Is Lab Diamond Clarity better than Natural Diamond Clarity?
When it comes to color and clarity, it's very difficult to tell the difference between laboratory grown diamonds and mined diamonds. Both lab made and natural diamonds possess the same razzle dazzle, physical, and chemical properties. The best and only way to tell the difference is by comparing their certificates.
At With Clarity, all of our diamonds come with an authentic report from an internationally-vetted lab. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) identifies all our lab stones and grades its cut, finish, proportions, clarity, and color. Whereas our natural diamonds come with an authentification report from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
More About Lab Diamond IGI Certification
Selecting a Clarity
Our key tips for selecting the right clarity grade:
- Clarity grade should always be selected in conjunction with the other 4 C’s of diamonds. For example, we do not recommend select a D color, I1 clarity diamond. The most popular clarity grades are VS2 and SI1 because they offer the best value without disrupting diamond sparkle.
- Choose diamonds with inclusions that aren’t in the absolute center of the diamond. More inclusions isn’t typically a bad thing.
- Avoid diamonds with a single large grade setting inclusion because it is more likely to be visible. In diamonds under 0.75ct, inclusions are smaller and more difficult to identify. In diamonds larger than 0.75ct, consider an SI1 or higher clarity grade to avoid distracting eye visible inclusions. Additionally, if selecting a lower clarity grade, consider a higher cut grade as a well cut diamond can mask clarity setting inclusions to keep sparkle and brilliance high.
- Lastly, consider diamonds that have clarity inclusions that are not in the table or central facet of the diamond are more desirable. A better location for inclusions is under the bezel facets of near the girdle as they are harder to see or can be covered as well when being set in the ring.
Also consider shapes when selecting a clarity. Brilliant cut diamonds like round , princess , cushion , oval , pear, and marquise hide inclusions better than other cuts like asscher and emerald. When purchasing a step cut diamond, try to select one clarity grade one level better than that of a brilliant cut.
Diamond Clarity Popularity
Lab Diamond vs Natural Diamond Percentage in Inventory (due to demand).
Clarity Grade (lowest to highest) |
I1 |
SI2 |
SI1 |
VS2 |
VS1 |
VVS2 |
VVS1 |
IF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Diamond Clarity | 1% | 4% | 7% | 30% | 30% | 26% | 1% | 1% |
| Lab Diamond Clarity | 1% | 5% | 10% | 30% | 28% | 21% | 4% | 1% |
Values are estimated and can vary based on our inventory.