Diamond Clarity Guide

Diamond clarity spans 6 categories with a total of 11 clarity grades and five diamond clarity factorsDiamond clarity is the assessment of small imperfections on the surface and within the stone. Surface flaws are called blemishes, while internal defects are known as inclusions. In most cases, a diamond’s beauty is not affected by these in any way since most inclusions can’t be seen with the naked eye. When referring to inclusions, gemologists often use the term “internal characteristics” instead of flaws. Internal characteristics are what give a natural diamond its character. It’s also important to note that diamonds with the fewest and smallest inclusions receive the highest clarity grades—and higher price tags to reflect that.All diamonds are unique, not perfect. They are made underground through enormous pressure and heat. Natural inclusions and blemishes are inevitable.

In 1953, Richard T. Liddicoat and colleagues established the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond grading system and clarity scale. The GIA diamond grading scale is divided into 6 categories and 11 diamond clarity grades.

Category1:I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds

• Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance
• I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
• We does not sell I clarity grade loose diamonds for engagement ring designs

Category2:SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds

• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
• If eye clean, SI diamonds are often the best value
• SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side

Category3:VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds

• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
• Great value and most popular diamond clarity

Category4:VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds

• VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification.
• VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification

Category5:Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds

• Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope on IF diamonds.
• IF diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics set the grade.
• Visually eye clean.
• Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification

Category6:Flawless (FL) Diamonds

• No internal or external characteristics.
• Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity.
• A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions.
• Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification

The five diamond clarity factors below:

Size:The larger or more noticeable a characteristic, the lower the likely clarity grade.

Number: This is the number of easily seen characteristics. Having fewer characteristics means a higher clarity grade.

Position:This position turns inclusions into reflectors, which have a bigger impact on the clarity grade.

Nature:The nature of a diamond characteristic relates to the type of inclusion and its impact on durability.

Color and relief: Color and relief are essentially a measure of how easily a characteristic is seen, or how much contrast there is between the characteristic and surrounding diamond.