Buying a diamond is a special experience, but with all the terms like cut, color, carat, and clarity, it can also feel a bit confusing. Among these, clarity is one of the most misunderstood aspects. What does it mean? Do tiny marks in a diamond make a big difference? And how clear should your diamond be?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about diamond clarity in a way that’s simple, helpful, and easy to remember. Whether you’re choosing your first diamond or just want to understand what makes one stone different from another, this blog is here to guide you step by step.
Take a deep breath, and let’s explore what clarity means and why it matters.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external flaws (blemishes) in a diamond. These natural imperfections form while the diamond is developing under the earth’s surface. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity—and usually, the higher the price.
Why Clarity Matters in Diamonds
Clarity impacts not only the beauty of a diamond but also its value. A higher diamond clarity grade often means a cleaner-looking stone and better light reflection. But there’s a twist: not all clarity imperfections are visible to the naked eye.
Here’s why clarity matters:
- It determines how sparkly your diamond looks.
- It plays a major role in pricing.
- It influences the diamond’s overall appeal.
- It tells you more about the diamond’s formation.
Understanding Diamond Clarity Numbers
Diamond clarity numbers are part of a grading system created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3).
Diamond clarity refers to the number of inclusions and blemishes present.
Tip: Most eye-clean loose diamonds fall in the VS or SI range.
The GIA Clarity Scale
| Clarity Grade | Description | Visibility of Inclusions |
| FL (Flawless) | No internal or external flaws | None, even under 10x magnification |
| IF (Internally Flawless) | No internal flaws, only minor surface blemishes | None internally under 10x |
| VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) | Inclusions are extremely difficult to see | Very difficult |
| VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included) | Minor inclusions are hard to see | Slightly visible under magnification |
| SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included) | Noticeable inclusions under magnification | Maybe visible to the eye |
| I1-I3 (Included) | Obvious inclusions that affect brilliance | Easily visible |
Clarity Grades from Flawless to Included
Let’s break it down in simpler terms:
- FL & IF: Perfect to the naked eye and microscope. Rare and expensive.
- VVS1 & VVS2: Practically flawless; need a trained eye and magnification to spot flaws.
- VS1 & VS2: Small imperfections, great value for most buyers.
- SI1 & SI2: Imperfections visible with magnification, sometimes with the naked eye.
I1 to I3: Flaws easily visible but can still sparkle in the right setting.
How Clarity Affects Diamond Price
Clarity has a direct impact on cost. Here’s how:
| Clarity Grade | Price Impact |
| FL/IF | Premium pricing, rare |
| VVS1/VVS2 | High, but more available |
| VS1/VS2 | Excellent value and sparkle |
| SI1/SI2 | Best price for eye-clean diamonds |
| I1-I3 | Budget-friendly, lower brilliance |
Choosing the Right Clarity for Your Budget
Here’s a quick guide:
- Budget under $1,000: SI1 or SI2
- Budget around $2,500: VS1 or VS2
- Luxury tier: VVS or higher
Engagement ring sweet spot: VS2 to SI1 (eye-clean & affordable)
Diamond Clarity Grading Process
Diamond clarity refers to how clean or clear a diamond is when viewed under magnification. To grade clarity, trained professionals examine each diamond using a 10x magnification loupe—this means they view the diamond at ten times its actual size. The goal is to identify any internal or surface imperfections, often called inclusions and blemishes.
Here’s what the graders specifically look for:
- Number of inclusions: How many internal marks or imperfections are visible?
- Size and position: How large the inclusions are and where they are located in the diamond.
- Nature and relief: What type of inclusions they are (like a tiny crystal or a feather) and how easily they can be seen when magnified.
All of these details help determine how much a diamond’s appearance might be affected and, in turn, its clarity grade.
Factors That Influence Clarity Grades
Factors That Influence Clarity Grades
Several things can impact a diamond’s clarity grade. Here’s a breakdown:
- Inclusion Size: Larger flaws are easier to spot, which usually results in a lower clarity grade.
- Location: Flaws near the center of the diamond are more visible than those near the edges, so they tend to affect the grade more.
- Number of Flaws: If a diamond has more than one inclusion, it will generally receive a lower clarity grade than a diamond with fewer flaws.
- Type of Inclusion: Different types of flaws, like clouds, feathers, or crystals, can affect how light moves through the diamond, which in turn influences how the diamond looks.
By understanding these factors, buyers can make better decisions when choosing a diamond that suits their preferences and budgets.
Eye-Clean vs. Internally Flawless Diamonds
“Eye-clean” means you can’t see flaws without a loupe or microscope. Many VS and SI loose diamonds are eye-clean, offering you top value. IF and FL are more status symbols than visual advantages.
Lab-Grown Diamonds and Clarity Grades
Lab loose diamonds online go through the same grading:
- Tend to have fewer inclusions
- Often VS1 or better at a lower price
- The same visual quality as mined diamonds
Clarity vs. Other 4Cs (Cut, Color, Carat)
Clarity is just one piece of the 4Cs puzzle:
- Cut affects sparkle the most.
- Color determines brightness.
- Carat is the size. You can trade clarity for size or cut based on what matters most to you.
How to Read a Diamond Grading Report
Check the “Clarity Grade” section on a GIA report. It includes:
- Grade (e.g., VS2)
- Inclusions diagram
- Key to symbols
Knowing how to read this can save you money and help you understand what you’re buying.
Tips for Buying Diamonds Based on Clarity
When shopping for a diamond, clarity is one of the key factors to consider. Clarity refers to how many natural flaws, or “inclusions,” are present in the diamond. These imperfections can affect how the diamond looks, especially when viewed up close. Here are some practical tips to help you make a well-informed choice:
Look for Eye-Clean Diamonds Instead of Perfect Clarity
A diamond doesn’t need to be flawless to look beautiful. Many diamonds have tiny inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. These are known as eye-clean diamonds. They usually cost less than loose diamonds with higher clarity grades but still appear just as attractive in person. Choosing an eye-clean diamond can give you better value without compromising on appearance.
Always View the Diamond in Person or Through High-Resolution Images
Clarity grades alone don’t tell the full story. Two diamonds with the same clarity grade might look very different. That’s why it’s important to see the diamond yourself, either in person or through clear, high-resolution images or videos. This way, you can judge if any inclusions are visible or distracting.
Check the Grading Certificate (Preferably GIA or IGI)
Always buy a diamond that comes with a grading certificate from a trusted gemological lab. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are two well-known and widely respected organizations. Their reports give you a reliable and unbiased assessment of the diamond’s clarity, among other details. This helps you compare diamonds more accurately.
Avoid I1 or Lower Clarity Grades for Engagement Rings
Diamonds with clarity grades of I1 (Included 1) or lower often have noticeable inclusions that can affect how the diamond looks and sparkles. These flaws might also weaken the diamond’s structure. For engagement rings, where durability and appearance matter most, it’s usually better to stick to diamonds with clarity grades of SI1 (Slightly Included 1) or higher.
Buy with certification
When buying a diamond, it’s important to choose a seller you can trust. A certified diamond comes with a grading report from a recognized gemological lab, like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). This loose diamond certificate gives you key information about the diamond’s quality, including clarity, cut, color, and carat weight.
Buying from a reliable jeweler ensures that the diamond you purchase matches the description and quality stated in the certificate. It also gives you confidence that you’re getting fair value for your money.
A quick read: How To Tell If a Diamond Is Real – A Guide From Reputed Diamond Jewelry Store
Conclusion
Diamond clarity numbers might seem technical, but they help you make informed, smart choices. Whether you’re buying a luxury diamond or a more affordable piece, understanding clarity can help you get the best sparkle for your budget.
Explore expertly graded and certified loose diamonds from trusted names like Grand Diamonds. With premium craftsmanship and worldwide shipping, you can shop confidently, knowing you’re getting quality and value.
Where to Buy Certified Diamonds
At Grand Diamonds, we offer a wide range of certified loose diamonds, each carefully selected and accompanied by a lab report. What sets Grand Diamonds apart is the Lifetime Upgrade policy. Any loose diamond purchased from us can be exchanged at 100% credit toward a replacement diamond that’s at least twice the value of the original. The only requirement is that the diamond must be in its original condition and come with the original grading document.
If you’re planning to invest in a diamond, consider a certified and trusted jeweler like Grand Diamonds for peace of mind and long-term flexibility.
Explore certified diamonds at Grand Diamonds and find the right one for you today.
FAQs
What is the best clarity for a diamond?
If the budget allows, VS1 or VS2 offers the best balance of clarity and price. FL and IF are great but not necessary for beauty.
Is SI1 clarity good for engagement rings?
Yes, especially if it’s eye-clean. SI1 can look stunning and save money.
Do lab diamonds have better clarity?
Often, yes. Lab diamonds typically have fewer inclusions and are graded similarly to mined diamonds.
What does VVS clarity mean?
VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) means the inclusions are extremely difficult to detect, even under 10x magnification.
Can you see flaws in an SI2 diamond?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the stone. Ask for detailed images or a video before buying.
How important is diamond clarity compared to cut?
Cut is more important for sparkle. You can compromise slightly on clarity if the cut is excellent.
