Diamond Clarity: What You Need To Know About Diamond Clarity

Diamond Clarity

What You Need To Know About Diamond Clarity

A diamond clarity grade is a measure of how free the diamond is from internal inclusions (imperfections), or external blemishes (marks of various kinds). Diamonds which have no inclusions or blemishes are incredibly rare in nature. Most diamonds have flaws which cannot be seen except using 10x magnification - which is how diamonds are graded. Such flaws do not affect the beauty of the diamond.

Diamond Clarity Grades

Abbreviation	Clarity Grade	Description
FL	Flawless	FL diamonds are flawless with no inclusions and no external blemishes. Diamonds in this grade are extremely scarce.
IF	Internally Flawless	Diamonds in this grade have no inclusions and are much sought after because they are so rare.
VVS1	Very, Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are difficult to see, even when using a microscope. This is one of the top clarity grades available for purchase and offers exceptional brilliance.
VVS2	Very, Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are difficult to see, even when using a microscope, and are invisible without magnification. This is one of the highest clarity grades available and represents a fine investment.
VS1	Very Slightly Included	VS1 diamonds have inclusions which are not visible to the naked eye, and only just visible using 10x magnification. These diamonds offer exceptional value for money.
VS2	Very Slightly Included	VS2 diamonds have inclusions which are only just visible using 10x magnification. The inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. These diamonds offer exceptional value for the price.
SI1	Slightly Included	SI1 diamonds have tiny inclusions which can be seen using 10x magnification but are almost never visible to the naked eye. SI1 diamonds represent excellent value for those on a more limited budget.
SI2	Slightly Included	SI2 diamonds have miniscule inclusions which can be seen using 10x magnification. They may occasionally be visible without magnification. This clarity grade is popular with those seeking a balance between first-rate value and a lower budget.
SI3	Slightly Included	SI3 diamonds have minute inclusions which may be seen using a jeweler's loupe with 10x magnification. These inclusions may sometimes also be visible without magnification.
I1-2-3	I1-2-3 Included	These diamonds have inclusions which can sometimes be noticed by the naked eye and usually when using 10x magnification.