Clarity
Clarity grades how free a diamond is from internal inclusions and surface blemishes, judged under 10x magnification.
Clarity describes how clean a diamond is inside and out. Inclusions are the internal features, blemishes are the surface ones, and GIA assesses both at 10x magnification. The fewer, smaller and less visible these features are, the higher the clarity grade and the rarer the stone.
The eleven clarity grades
GIA uses eleven grades in six categories. Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) show nothing under 10x. VVS1 and VVS2 have very very slight inclusions that are hard for even a grader to spot. VS1 and VS2 have minor inclusions. SI1 and SI2 have noticeable inclusions under magnification, and the three Included grades, I1, I2 and I3, have inclusions that are obvious and can affect brilliance and durability.
Grades are set from the size, number, position, nature and relief of the characteristics. An inclusion under the table counts against a stone more than one hidden near the girdle, where a prong might cover it, so two stones with the same number of inclusions can grade differently.
- FL and IF: flawless or internally flawless, very rare
- VVS1 to VVS2: very very slight inclusions, hard to find at 10x
- VS1 to VS2: very slight inclusions, not seen by eye
- SI1 to SI2: slight inclusions, may be eye-visible in SI2
- I1 to I3: included, visible to the eye and may affect durability
Eye-clean is the target, not flawless
For most buyers the sweet spot is an "eye-clean" diamond, one with no inclusions visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance. Plenty of VS2 and SI1 stones are eye-clean and cost far less than a VVS or Flawless stone that looks identical without a loupe. Paying up to Flawless buys rarity, not a visible difference.
Eye-cleanliness depends on the individual stone, not just the grade, so an SI1 can be clean while another SI1 shows a dark crystal under the table. Shape matters too. Emerald and Asscher cuts have large open tables that reveal inclusions, so they usually want VS2 or better, while a busy round brilliant hides more.
How clarity affects price and choice
Clarity moves price sharply at the top of the scale, where rarity climbs faster than any visible gain. A smart approach is to drop to the highest grade that is still eye-clean for the specific stone and shape, then put the saving toward cut or carat. Always check the clarity plot on the report and, ideally, view the stone or high-resolution imagery before buying.
- Clarity grades inclusions inside and blemishes on the surface at 10x.
- The scale runs eleven steps from Flawless to Included.
- Eye-clean matters more than a flawless grade for most buyers.
- Many VS2 and SI1 stones look clean and cost far less.
- Open step cuts like emerald show inclusions more than round brilliants.
Clarity, in short.
What clarity grade should I buy?
Aim for the lowest grade that is still eye-clean for that specific stone. VS2 and SI1 are common value picks in round brilliants. Open cuts like emerald usually want VS or better.
Do I need a flawless diamond?
Not for looks. Flawless and IF stones are rare and expensive, but an eye-clean VS or SI diamond looks the same to the naked eye and costs much less.
What does eye-clean mean?
It means no inclusions are visible to the unaided eye at normal viewing distance, roughly arm's length. A diamond can be eye-clean even if inclusions show under a 10x loupe.
Are inclusions bad for a diamond?
Small inclusions are normal and mostly harmless. Only large inclusions in the lower Included grades can affect brilliance or, near the surface, durability. Most inclusions are invisible without magnification.
Related terms
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