Diamond Education

Clarity, along with cut, color, and carat, makes up the famous 4Cs of diamond.

When choosing a diamond, clarity is often misunderstood — and sometimes overemphasized. Unlike cut, which dramatically affects sparkle, or color, which influences overall appearance, many clarity differences are only visible under magnification—meaning they'll never be seen in real-world wear.

While diamond clarity plays a role in a diamond's beauty and value, understanding what it actually measures can help you make a smarter, more confident choice.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity measures the presence and visibility of internal characteristics (inclusions) and external characteristics (blemishes) in a diamond. These naturally occurring features form during a diamond's creation—either over billions of years deep within the Earth or during the accelerated growth process in a laboratory.

Think of clarity characteristics as a diamond's fingerprint. Nearly every diamond contains these unique "birthmarks" which make every diamond one-of-a-kind. 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. Completely flawless diamonds are extraordinarily rare, which is why they command premium prices.

Understanding "Eye-Clean" Diamonds

"Eye-clean" is one of the most important terms in diamond clarity. It means no inclusions are visible to the naked eye when the diamond is viewed face-up at a normal viewing distance. Any inclusions present are too small to be seen without magnification, so in real-world wear, the diamond appears beautifully flawless.

The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale: What Those Grades Mean

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the industry-standard diamond clarity scale in the 1950s, consisting of 6 categories with 11 specific grades. All evaluations are done based on the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quxantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10× magnification. They can be found on the gem's certification report.

Here's the complete breakdown:

Flawless (FL)

An FL clarity grade diamond has no inclusions or surface blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare, representing a tiny fraction of gem-quality diamonds, which is why they command the highest premiums.

Internally Flawless (IF)

No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification. Minor surface blemishes may be present and can be seen under a microscope, but they are typically eye-clean. Diamonds in this category are extremely rare.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Inclusions in these diamonds are so minor that they're difficult even for skilled graders to detect under 10x magnification. To the naked eye, the diamond appears eye-clean, with no visible imperfections. These tiny inclusions do not affect brilliance or sparkle. This clarity grade is an excellent choice for buyers seeking exceptional clarity at better value than IF, or for larger diamonds where inclusions are more likely to be noticeable.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

These VS clarity grades contain minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) for trained graders to see under 10x magnification. However, they are still miniscule and remain invisible to the naked eye. These clarity grades are perfect for smart and price-conscious buyers who want excellent clarity without paying a premium for characteristics that can't be seen.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Diamonds in the SI (Slightly Included) clarity range have inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification. SI1 diamonds are often eye-clean when viewed face-up, meaning inclusions are not visible to the naked eye in most cases. This makes SI1 a popular choice for buyers seeking strong visual beauty with excellent value. SI2 diamonds may have inclusions that are easier to detect and, in larger stones or certain shapes, can be faintly visible to a keen naked eye — especially from the side. While still capable of beautiful brilliance, SI2 diamonds are best chosen carefully.

Both grades are popular with buyers who want a beautiful, brilliant diamond while allocating more of their budget toward cut, color, and carat.

Included (I1, I2 and I3)

Included grades contain obvious inclusions under 10x magnification that are clearly visible to the unaided eye. These inclusions may affect the diamond's transparency, brilliance, and in some cases, structural integrity. I1 diamonds may still be acceptable for certain applications, while I2 and I3 diamonds display increasingly prominent imperfections that significantly impact appearance and durability.

The 5 Diamond Clarity Factors

When professional gemologists grade a diamond's clarity under 10x magnification, they evaluate five specific factors that collectively determine where a specific diamond falls on the diamond clarity chart.

• Size: This refers to how large the inclusion is. Larger inclusions are generally easier to see and have a greater impact on clarity than tiny ones, even if there are only one or two present. Big inclusions are more noticeable and can sometimes affect durability or light performance.
• Number: The quantity of inclusions or blemishes within the diamond. A diamond with many small inclusions may receive a lower diamond clarity rating than one with a single, tiny inclusion. Multiple inclusions can reduce transparency and interfere with light passing through the diamond.
• Position and Location: This refers to where the inclusion is located within the diamond. Inclusions near the center or table are more visible, whereas those near the edges can often be hidden by prongs. Poorly placed inclusions affect the overall appearance of a diamond.
• Nature: The type of inclusion or blemish present (such as feathers, crystals, clouds, or needles). Some inclusions are easier to see than others, and certain types may affect durability more than appearance.
• Relief: Relief describes how much the inclusion stands out against the diamond. High-relief inclusions (dark or strongly contrasting) are more visible, whereas low-relief inclusions blend into the stone and are harder to detect. A small dark inclusion can be more noticeable than a larger, lighter one.

Inclusions vs. Blemishes: Understanding the Difference

Inclusions are internal characteristics found within the diamond or reaching into it from the surface:

• Crystals (tiny minerals trapped inside)
• Feathers (small internal fractures)
• Clouds (clusters of tiny pinpoints)
• Pinpoints (microscopic tiny dots)
• Needles (long, thin inclusions)
• Cavities (spaces where surface-reaching inclusions were dislodged)

Blemishes are external characteristics found on the diamond's surface:

• Scratches (surface marks from wear or polishing)
• Nicks (small chips, typically on girdle or facet edges)
• Pits (tiny surface openings)
• Polish marks (surface texture from cutting process)

All of these inclusions and blemishes may not be present in every diamond, but they are commonly found in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. While both affect clarity grades, inclusions generally have more impact on grading because they're permanent internal features, whereas some blemishes can potentially be polished away during recutting (though this is rarely economical).

Clarity and Diamond Shape

Certain diamond shapes naturally hide inclusions better, while others make clarity characteristics more visible due to their facet structure and light behavior.

Step-cut shapes like emerald and Asscher tend to show inclusions more because of their large, open tables, which emphasize transparency and allow you to see deeper into the stone. For these shapes, we recommend a diamond clarity grade of VS1 or higher to ensure inclusions remain difficult to detect.

On the flip side, brilliant cuts (like round, oval, or cushion) hide imperfections well thanks to their faceting patterns that reflect light from many angles. These facets help break up light and naturally disguise inclusions, allowing these shapes to look eye-clean at slightly lower clarity grades.

How Important Is Clarity in a Diamond?

Clarity plays an important role in a diamond's overall quality and value. A diamond's clarity characteristics can influence its appearance, durability, and price, depending on their size, type, and location.

A diamond's clarity can impact:

• Visual Appeal and Brilliance: Noticeable inclusions may reduce transparency and affect how lively the diamond appears.
• Structural Integrity: Most inclusions are harmless and don't affect durability at all, but large or poorly positioned inclusions can weaken the stone and increase the risk of chipping.
• Light Performance: Significant inclusions may interfere with the way light travels through the diamond, reducing sparkle.

How Clarity Affects Price

Diamond clarity can have a dramatic impact on price—especially at the highest grades—though carat weight and cut quality often influence price even more. Whether you're buying an engagement ring or other fine diamond jewelry, premium clarity grades can command exponential price increases despite minimal visible differences.

That's because higher-clarity diamonds are rarer, so you're paying for scarcity as much as perfection. For example, moving from a VS2 to a VVS1 can cost a lot more—even if they're eye-clean and the difference is visible only under magnification.

The good news is that many diamonds lower on the clarity scale still appear completely eye-clean once set, allowing buyers to prioritize cut, carat, or color instead. In practice, VS1, VS2, and many SI1 diamonds can appear flawless to the naked eye, especially when well-cut and viewed face-up.

NOTE: However, in some SI diamonds, inclusions may be visible if they are larger or located near the surface, which is why we recommend choosing select SI1 diamonds after viewing them in person.

When well-selected, choosing these mid-range clarity grades helps avoid the steep premiums of higher grades while still delivering exceptional sparkle—without overspending.

Diamond Clarity Tips

Clarity is one piece of the puzzle, especially when selecting a diamond for your engagement ring, but there are some tips to keep in mind:

• Go for an Eye-Clean Look: Instead of stressing over the technical clarity grade, focus on how the diamond actually looks to the naked eye. While Flawless diamonds are top-tier, SI1, SI2, VS1, and VS2 stones often look just as clean—and cost much less.
• Prioritize Cut Over Clarity: Cut has a far greater impact on sparkle and brilliance than clarity. A well-cut diamond with slightly lower clarity will often look better than a poorly cut diamond with higher clarity.
• Size and Clarity Go Hand in Hand: As carat size increases, inclusions become easier to see. For diamonds 3 carats and above, many buyers prefer VS clarity or higher.
• Consider the Shape: Brilliant cuts (round, oval, pear, cushion) hide inclusions well and can look great at lower clarity grades. On the other hand, step cuts (emerald, asscher) show inclusions more easily and usually benefit from higher clarity.
• Watch Where Inclusions Are: The placement of inclusions matters! A good setting can hide them, so take that into account when choosing your stone.
• Get a Good Look: Photos and videos can be deceiving, so if you can, check the diamond out in person or via video—you'll get a better sense of any inclusions.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Do Lab Stones Have Better Clarity?

In many cases, yes. Because lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, they typically have fewer inclusions and often achieve higher clarity grades than natural diamonds. This means cleaner diamonds with exceptional brilliance.

Another advantage is value. Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds, allowing buyers to comfortably choose higher clarity grades like VVS or even IF—levels that would command a significant premium in natural diamonds.

Diamond Clarity FAQs

What is diamond clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes formed during a diamond's growth or cutting process.

Do all diamonds have inclusions?

No. Some diamonds have very few or no visible inclusions, but most diamonds contain natural characteristics that don't affect beauty or sparkle.

Can inclusions be seen without magnification?

In many diamonds, inclusions are only visible under 10x magnification. Many VS and SI diamonds appear completely eye-clean.

What does "eye-clean" mean?

Eye-clean means no inclusions are visible to the naked eye when the diamond is viewed face-up.

Does higher clarity mean more sparkle?

Not necessarily. Sparkle is primarily influenced by cut quality. Clarity only affects brilliance if inclusions interfere with light.

What clarity grade offers the best value?

VS1, VS2, and SI1 are widely considered the best value clarity grades, offering a balance of beauty and price.

Should I choose clarity over cut or carat?

Cut should be prioritized first. Once a diamond is eye-clean, higher clarity won't improve its appearance.