Diamond Clarity Chart
Diamond Clarity Chart
Diamond Clarity Guide: Grades, Charts, and Smart Buying Advice
Diamond clarity measures the purity of a stone, focusing on natural internal marks (inclusions) and surface blemishes (imperfections). Formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the earth, almost all diamonds feature these tiny microscopic "birthmarks."
Understanding clarity allows you to balance beauty and budget, ensuring you pay for what you can actually see with the naked eye.
Key Takeaways
- Primary Standard: The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) 11-grade scale.
- Proven Sweet Spot: VS1 and VS2 grades.
- What Makes For An "Eye-Clean" Diamond: A diamond with no inclusions visible to the naked eye at a normal distance.
- Rule of Thumb: Diamond Cut impacts sparkle more than clarity. Prioritise cut quality first.
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale
Diamonds are evaluated under 10x magnification by professional gemologists and categorised into six main groups across 11 specific grades:
| Grade | Name | What It Means Under 10x Magnification | Naked Eye Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Flawless | Zero inclusions or surface blemishes. Extremely rare. | 100% Eye Clean |
| IF | Internally Flawless | No internal inclusions; minor surface marks only. | 100% Eye Clean |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included | Inclusions are extremely difficult to spot, even for trained gemologists. | 100% Eye Clean |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very Slightly Included | Minor inclusions (tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers) that are difficult to locate. | Virtually Always Eye Clean |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly Included | Inclusions are easily noticed under 10x magnification. SI2 stones may show visible flaws to the naked eye. | SI2 is Usually Eye Clean on Some Cuts |
| I1 / I2 / I3 | Included | Inclusions are obvious under magnification and easily seen with the naked eye, impacting sparkle. | Not Eye Clean |
Common Types of Inclusions and Blemishes
Pinpoints & Needles
Tiny microscopic dots or thin needle-like structures inside the stone.
Crystals
Mineral deposits trapped within the diamond during its formation.
Feathers
Internal fractures that can affect the durability of the stone if large enough.
Clouds
Clusters of tiny pinpoints that can make a small area appear hazy if severe.
Graining & Scratches
Surface level blemishes that appear on the external facets of the stone.
How Shape and Carat Weight Affect Clarity
1. Diamond Shape
- Brilliant Cuts (Round, Oval, Cushion, Pear, Radiant): These features numerous facets that reflect light from many angles. This brilliance actually masks inclusions lower clarity grades like SI1 or VS2 are often eye clean.
- Step Cuts (Emerald, Asscher): Designed with wide, rectangular facets that act like windows. Flaws are far more visible, so it is safer to stick to VS2 or higher.
2. Carat Weight
As carat weight increases, inclusions become easier to spot with the naked eye because the diamond's surface is larger. A VS2 in a 0.50ct stone may appear perfectly clean, while the same grade in a 2.00ct stone might show inclusions without magnification.
- Under 1 carat: SI1 to VS2 is usually eye clean and excellent value.
- 1 to 2 carats: VS1 to VS2 is the recommended sweet spot.
- Above 2 carats: VVS2 or higher is advisable for a visibly clean stone.
Clarity by Budget — Smart Choices at Every Price Point
Premium Budget — FL to VVS2
The rarest and most prestigious grades. Virtually flawless to the naked eye and under magnification. Ideal for collectors or those who want the absolute best.
Best Value — VS1 to VS2
The most popular choice among experienced buyers. Virtually always eye clean with minor inclusions only visible under magnification. Excellent balance of quality and price.
Budget-Conscious — SI1 to SI2
Often eye clean in brilliant cuts but requires careful selection. Always request an image or video before purchasing an SI clarity diamond online. Avoid SI2 in step cuts like emerald or asscher.
Avoid — I1 to I3
Inclusions are visible to the naked eye and may affect the structural integrity of the stone. Not recommended for engagement rings meant for everyday wear.
Pro Tips Before You Buy
Always Prioritise Cut Over Clarity
A well-cut diamond with VS2 clarity will outshine a poorly cut VVS1. Cut determines brilliance — clarity determines purity. Cut comes first.
Always Buy a Certified Diamond
Only purchase diamonds with a GIA, IGI, or SGL certificate. This guarantees the stated clarity grade has been independently verified.
Ask for an Eye-Clean Confirmation
Especially for SI1 and SI2 grades, ask your jeweller to confirm that the stone is eye clean before purchasing. Request a video or image under natural light.
Check Where Inclusions Are Located
An inclusion near the edge of the stone is far less visible than one directly under the table (top) of the diamond. Location matters as much as grade.
Consider the Setting
Halo and pave settings naturally mask inclusions near the girdle of the stone. A bezel setting can hide edge inclusions entirely. Use the setting to your advantage.
Shop Certified Diamonds at KEIAN Luxandor
Every diamond in our collection is IGI certified, hand-selected for cut quality, and sourced ethically. Find your perfect clarity grade with full transparency — backed by our lifetime exchange policy and free insured delivery.