Diamond clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions and surface blemishes formed during a diamond’s creation process. These naturally occurring characteristics make every diamond unique. Understanding clarity helps you select a diamond that achieves the ideal balance of beauty, brilliance, durability, and value.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions and surface blemishes formed during a diamond’s creation process. These naturally occurring characteristics make every diamond unique.
Clarity measures how free a diamond is from internal inclusions and external blemishes. Most inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, meaning they rarely affect a diamond’s overall beauty or brilliance.
Diamond clarity is assessed and graded by professional gemologists under 10x magnification.
FL - Flawless
No internal inclusions or surface blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare and highly valuable.
IF - Internally Flawless
No internal inclusions are visible under magnification, with only very minor surface blemishes present.
VVS1 & VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included
Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect, even for experienced gemologists under 10x magnification.
VS1 & VS2 - Very Slightly Included
Minor inclusions that are difficult to see under magnification and typically invisible to the naked eye. These grades are highly sought after for their excellent balance of quality and value.
SI1 & SI2 - Slightly Included
Inclusions are noticeable under magnification but are often not visible to the naked eye, depending on the diamond’s cut, shape, and placement of the inclusions.
I1, I2 & I3 - Included
Inclusions are visible to the naked eye and may affect the diamond’s brilliance, transparency, and overall durability.