Diamonds are popular gemstones that grace everything from engagement rings to earrings. They are graded by the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat. Each influences a diamond’s beauty, brilliance and value.

Higher-quality diamonds are often rarer than gemstones with lower 4Cs gradings. Flawless diamonds are some of the rarest of them all. Fewer than 1% of all diamonds receive a flawless clarity rating.

What are Flawless Diamonds?

Engagement ring with loose diamonds

Diamonds with the highest clarity ratings are called flawless diamonds, also known as FL diamonds. They have no inclusions or surface blemishes when viewed at 10x magnification. Diamonds with no inclusions but some surface blemishes at the same magnification are called internally flawless (IF) diamonds. They are rare, but not as rare as flawless diamonds.

Flawless Diamond Rarity

Loose lab-grown diamonds

Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare. This is because inclusions and blemishes are natural results of diamond formation for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Common inclusions include wisps, feathers, knots, cavities, and clouds. Surface blemishes like scratches and polish lines are also common for diamonds of all kinds.

The absence of discernible inclusions at 10x magnification is especially rare for natural diamonds.

FAQs About Diamonds

How to Find Flawless Diamonds

Woman wearing Blue Nile diamond jewelry

While some local jewelry stores offer flawless diamonds, the best way to see all the options for these special gemstones is to shop for flawless diamonds online from trusted jewelers. Pay special attention to the flawless diamond cut when browsing.

Related Reading

Home Diamond Tests

Karat vs. Carat

14K vs. 18K Gold

Finding Conflict-Free Diamonds

Flawless Diamonds Education

Famous Diamonds & Their Stories

Avatar of Elizabeth Hadden
Elizabeth Hadden
Elizabeth Hadden is a GIA AJP (Applied Jewelry Professional) and vintage jewelry hobbyist with a special admiration for Georgian-era pieces. In addition to a growing jewelry collection of odd charms and offbeat designs, she has a bachelor’s in English and GSI Diamond Essentials Certificate. She combines her love of the history behind jewelry with an appreciation for modern takes on popular motifs.
All articles by Elizabeth Hadden

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