Diamond Clarity Chart
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the natural internal characteristics and surface features formed during a diamond’s creation deep within the earth. Clarity grades are determined by evaluating the size, number, location, and visibility of these characteristics under 10x magnification, though many are not visible to the naked eye and do not impact a diamond’s overall beauty. As one of the 4Cs, clarity ranges from Included to Flawless, with diamonds containing fewer or less noticeable characteristics generally considered more rare. Because cut, faceting, and light performance also influence appearance, two diamonds with similar clarity grades can still look very different in real life.
Tips For Understanding Diamond Clarity
There are many misconceptions around the clarity of diamonds, including the belief that you need to buy a high clarity grade to avoid seeing imperfections. Another common falsehood is that a higher clarity grade results in more sparkle. Neither of these is true! Here are some tips to get you started on your diamond search:
• The term “eye clean” means that the diamond’s inclusions are too small to see without magnification.
• A good place to start your search and maximize your budget is with Slightly Included (SI) and Very Slightly Included (VS) grades because inclusions will not be readily noticeable without magnification.
• Diamond shape and size affect clarity. While clarity is less important than a diamond’s cut or color, if you are buying a diamond over one carat or considering certain fancy-shaped diamonds (like an emerald or Asscher cut where flaws are more visible), you may want to spend more for a higher clarity grade.
• Diamond clarity is an important characteristic that affects a diamond’s beauty. Like all of the 4Cs, diamond clarity is an important consideration when buying a diamond. While clarity affects price, there are a number of factors that can help you decide which clarity grade is right for you.
The Diamond Clarity Scale Spans 11 Clarity Grades
Diamond clarity is independently graded using the GIA clarity scale, which evaluates a diamond’s internal characteristics and surface features under 10x magnification. Established as part of the GIA grading system, the scale includes 11 clarity grades ranging from Included (I1–I3) to Flawless (FL). Diamonds with fewer or less visible inclusions are generally considered more rare, though many clarity characteristics are microscopic and may have little impact on a diamond’s beauty once viewed with the naked eye. SI and VS clarity diamonds are often valued for balancing appearance and value, while VVS, Internally Flawless, and Flawless diamonds represent the rarest clarity grades.I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds
• I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
• Blue Nile does not sell I clarity grade loose diamonds for engagement ring designs
• Blue Nile does offer a limited selection of jewelry preset with I1 diamonds
SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds
• Inclusions are noticeable at 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
VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds
• Comparing VS1 vs. VS2 diamonds, they have minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification
• Great value; Blue Nile’s most popular diamond clarity
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
• Characteristics are minuscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye
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
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
The Five Diamond Clarity Factors
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: What is the position of any given characteristic? The location of a characteristic within the diamond anatomy will impact the rating. Is it under the table (most visible) and close to a pavilion? 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.
Why SI Diamonds And VS Diamonds Are The Best Value
While the extremely rare Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are the highest quality diamond clarity, you may want to consider a diamond that won’t break the bank. For the best value, select a diamond with inclusions that can’t be seen through the crown without magnification (also known as eye clean diamonds), like a diamond with an SI or VS clarity grade. These diamonds are much less expensive and look the same as the higher grades, visually.
How a Diamond’s Shape Impacts its Clarity
Brilliant-cut diamonds such as round, oval, cushion, princess, pear, and radiant cuts reflect light through multiple facets, often making inclusions less noticeable to the eye.
Diamond Size’s Influence on Clarity
As diamond size increases, clarity characteristics may become easier to detect depending on the diamond’s cut, faceting pattern, and the location of the inclusions. However, many larger diamonds can still appear beautifully eye clean, particularly when the inclusions blend naturally within the stone or are masked by brilliance and light performance.
The Diamond Clarity Plot
Diamonds over one carat typically include a clarity plot as part of the GIA grading report. This plot maps the internal and surface characteristics that contribute to the stone’s overall clarity assessment.
It may also note additional features that are part of the diamond’s structure, even if they do not determine the final clarity grade. Together, the grading report and clarity plot provide a more complete view of the diamond’s individual profile.
Popular Diamond Clarity Grades
With price points and sparkling stones all along the diamond grading scale, there are many types of diamond grades to choose from. Different shapes and cuts will hide many characteristics. Choosing diamond clarity of SI1 or SI2 is a great starting point for finding beautiful diamonds with minimal inclusions. Our VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) diamonds are our most popular choices. These diamond clarity grades can have some inclusions, but many of the inclusions are not easily seen with the unaided eye. Many diamond characteristics can also be hidden by the diamond cut or shape.
Sizing Up Clarity
Clarity can present differently depending on a diamond’s size, but visibility is never determined by carat weight alone.
Cut, faceting, and the placement of internal characteristics all influence how a diamond appears. Whether a diamond is smaller or larger, the most important consideration is how clean and balanced it looks in real life.
You Can Learn More About A Diamond’s Characteristics (Inclusions/Blemishes) In The IGI or GIA Grading Report
Additional characteristics that do not impact a diamond’s overall clarity grade may still appear on a GIA grading report or clarity plot, particularly on diamonds over one carat. For example, a minor extra facet added during polishing may be noted on the report even though it does not affect the diamond’s assigned clarity grade.
There Are Many Different Types Of Diamond Inclusions And Blemishes
If you find the whole topic of internal and external diamond characteristics as fascinating as we do, take a deep dive and learn more about the various types of inclusions and blemishes in your diamond of interest.
Types Of Diamond Inclusions
• Clouds
• Feathers
• Crystals or minerals
• Knots
• Cavities
• Cleavage
• Internal graining
Types Of Blemish Examples
• Polish lines
• Scratches
• Nicks
• Pits
• Chips
• Breaks
• Dark or light spots
These characteristics may not be present in all diamonds, but they can often be found in both natural and lab grown diamonds. Because every diamond is unique, beautiful brilliant diamonds can still be found even with inclusions and blemishes.
Shop Blue Nile Diamonds By Clarity Grade
At Blue Nile, we offer the highest quality diamonds and deliver the best value for your budget. If you're shopping for a ring or other diamond jewelry, we offer the following diamond clarity grades:
Flawless Diamonds
• FL & IF Diamonds (Rare Finds)
Slightly Included Diamonds
• VVS Diamonds (Excellent Quality)
Have A Question?
Contact us by phone at 1-800-242-2728 or email at service@bluenile.com.
In addition, Live Chat is available during most business hours.
Diamond Clarity FAQ
Which diamond clarity is the best value?
Each diamond is unique but in general, VI and SI are the best value for diamond clarity. IF and FL diamonds are exceptionally rare, and their prices reflect this.
Ultimately, the diamond clarity rating you choose depends on your personal preferences and budget.
Which of the VS diamonds are a better choice?
VS1 and VS2 diamonds both fall within the Very Slightly Included range and can offer a refined, clean appearance.
Depending on the size, type, and location of inclusions, both grades can appear eye clean. The difference between them is subtle and often best evaluated based on the individual diamond rather than the grade alone.
Which shapes can hide diamond clarity flaws?
The facets of a diamond can often help hide flaws by redirecting light or even the diamond viewer’s gaze when a stone is being observed. More faceted diamonds are effective at hiding flaws in lower clarity grades. This includes round, cushion and oval diamonds.
Is diamond clarity very important?
Yes - clarity is an important part of a diamond’s overall appearance, but it is only one of the 4Cs that work together to shape a diamond’s beauty. Rather than evaluating clarity in isolation, the most important consideration is how cut, color, clarity, and carat weight interact as a whole. Many clarity characteristics are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye, which is why well-balanced diamonds with eye-clean clarity can often offer exceptional beauty and value without requiring the highest clarity grades.
How are diamond inclusions formed?
The high pressure and heat involved in the formation of natural diamonds, and the advanced processes used to create many lab-grown diamonds, can result in natural clarity characteristics. These inclusions are part of the diamond’s growth process and contribute to the individuality and character of each stone.
Can inclusions be seen without magnification?
Some inclusions may be visible to the naked eye in lower clarity grades, particularly in Included diamonds. As clarity grades increase, inclusions become smaller and more difficult to detect, often requiring 10x magnification to be seen. VVS, Internally Flawless, and Flawless diamonds typically appear completely eye clean, with inclusions extremely difficult or impossible to detect without magnification.