The definition
What is diamond clarity?
Diamond clarity is an assessment of how free a diamond is from internal characteristics called inclusions and surface characteristics called blemishes.
These characteristics can form during natural growth, laboratory growth, cutting, polishing or wear. They are common and often microscopic. A clarity grade describes what a trained grader can see under controlled conditions; it is not a promise that every stone with that grade will look identical.
Clarity matters because the size, position and visibility of a characteristic can affect rarity, price and—in more included stones—transparency or durability. For everyday appearance, however, the practical question is usually whether anything distracting is visible without magnification.
From rarest to most included
Diamond clarity chart
The widely recognised scale contains 11 grades across six categories. Final grading decisions are made at 10× magnification, so the descriptions below are guides rather than naked-eye guarantees.
- FL Flawless No inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader at 10× magnification.
- IF Internally Flawless No inclusions visible at 10×; only blemishes are present.
- VVS1–VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see at 10×.
- VS1–VS2 Very Slightly Included Minor inclusions range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see at 10×.
- SI1–SI2 Slightly Included Inclusions are noticeable at 10× and may be visible without magnification in some stones.
- I1–I3 Included Inclusions are obvious at 10× and may affect transparency, brilliance or durability.
More than counting marks
How is diamond clarity graded?
A grader studies the diamond face-up and from other angles using controlled lighting and magnification. The grade is based on the combined effect of five factors, not simply the number of inclusions.
- SizeHow large a characteristic is relative to the diamond.
- NumberHow many grade-setting characteristics and reflections are present.
- PositionWhere each feature sits; one under the table can be more noticeable than one near the edge.
- NatureThe type and depth of the characteristic and whether it is internal or surface-reaching.
- ReliefHow strongly a characteristic contrasts with the surrounding diamond.
A grading report records the grade and may include a clarity plot or comments. Compare that information with clear imagery or video of the actual stone: location, contrast and visibility can differ within the same grade.
The practical standard
What does “eye-clean” mean?
“Eye-clean” is an informal buying term, not a laboratory grade. It normally means that no inclusion is distracting to an unaided observer when the diamond is viewed face-up in ordinary lighting at a normal distance.
Because that definition is not standardised, ask what viewing distance, lighting and eyesight assumptions are being used. A diamond can look clean face-up but show an inclusion from the side, and a magnified product image will reveal features that are impossible to see at normal size.
Many VS diamonds are eye-clean, while some carefully selected SI diamonds can be too. That is not guaranteed. Inspect the individual stone, especially when inclusions are dark, central, reflected repeatedly or close to a vulnerable edge.
Spend where you can see the difference
Which diamond clarity should you choose?
There is no single best grade for every buyer. The sensible starting range depends on whether you value rarity, visible appearance or budget—and on the individual diamond's shape, size and inclusion pattern.
| Priority | Starting range | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum rarity | FL–IF | You are paying for exceptional rarity under magnification, not necessarily a visible improvement at normal viewing distance. |
| Very high clarity | VVS1–VVS2 | Minute inclusions are difficult to find at 10×. This suits buyers who value the report grade as well as appearance. |
| Appearance and value | VS1–VS2 | A common place to begin an eye-clean search, while still checking the actual stone and report. |
| Value with careful inspection | SI1–SI2 | Visibility varies widely. Review magnified media, placement, transparency and any report comments rather than buying by grade alone. |
| Included grades | I1–I3 | Characteristics are obvious under magnification and may affect appearance or durability. These need particularly careful assessment. |
Shape and size change what you notice
Step cuts such as emerald shapes have broad, open facets that can make inclusions easier to notice. Brilliant-style faceting can disguise some features more effectively. As carat weight increases, characteristics can also become easier to see because the viewing area is larger. These are tendencies—not substitutes for inspecting the stone.
- View the diamond face-up at normal size before relying on magnified media.
- Check whether a dark or high-relief inclusion sits beneath the table.
- Look for repeated reflections of a single inclusion around the stone.
- Review comments about clouds, surface-reaching features or durability with a qualified professional.
- Balance clarity with cut quality, colour, carat weight and your actual budget.
Read the report you actually receive
Natural and lab-grown diamond reports
Do not assume every laboratory uses identical wording for every diamond type. IGI reports for lab-grown diamonds can include familiar colour and clarity grades. Since October 2025, GIA has instead used an overall Premium or Standard quality assessment for newly submitted D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds, based on combined quality factors.
That means an older GIA lab-grown report, a current GIA assessment and an IGI report may present quality differently. Confirm the laboratory, report date, terminology and report number before comparing two listings.
Use the report to understand what was assessed, then use the individual diamond's imagery, proportions and visible character to decide whether it suits you.
Common questions
Diamond clarity FAQs
What is the best diamond clarity?
Flawless is the highest grade, but “best” depends on your priorities. If visible appearance and value matter more than rarity under magnification, an eye-clean VS—or a carefully assessed SI diamond—may be a more practical choice.
Is VS1 better than VS2?
VS1 is the higher clarity grade. Its inclusions are generally more difficult for a skilled grader to see at 10× than those in VS2. Both grades can look identical without magnification, so compare the individual stones as well as the report.
Can you see inclusions without magnification?
It depends on the grade and the individual inclusion. Higher-clarity diamonds usually show nothing distracting to the unaided eye, while some SI and Included diamonds can have visible characteristics. Size, position, relief and viewing conditions all matter.
Does clarity affect a diamond's sparkle?
Cut quality is the main driver of brightness, fire and scintillation. Most small inclusions do not visibly reduce sparkle, but extensive inclusions or clouds can sometimes reduce transparency or interfere with light travelling through the stone.
Are lab-grown diamonds graded for clarity?
Yes, but the reporting format depends on the laboratory. IGI can report familiar clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds. GIA's current service for newly submitted D-to-Z lab-grown diamonds uses overall Premium or Standard assessments rather than the natural-diamond clarity nomenclature.
Continue learning
Related guides and collections
Technical references: GIA diamond quality factors, GIA laboratory-grown assessment update, and IGI clarity education.