Diamond Clarity: Guide & GIA Grades

Diamond clarity is the assessment of small imperfections on the surface and within the stone. The highest grades are FL-IF, which means Flawless/Internally Flawless. The grading scale determines how many inclusions (air bubbles, cracks, etc.) and blemishes a diamond contains.

2mins

Clarity

2mins

Recommendation

Typical range for Clarity is SI1 to VVS1.

Details

Clarity is one of the most important characteristics of a diamond. It is the quality of diamonds relating to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond called inclusions, and surface defects called blemishes.

Basically there are two types of flaws: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions refer to internal flaws and blemishes refer to surface flaws. Inclusions include flaws such as air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals found in the diamond. Blemishes include scratches, pits, and chips. Diamonds with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more valuable than those with less clarity.

A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under ten times magnification.


The GIA Grading System

F - Flawless: No Internal or External Flaws. Extremely Rare.

IF - Internally Flawless: no Internal Flaws, but some Surface Flaws. Very Rare.

VVS1-VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Included (Two Grades): Minute Inclusions Very Difficult to Detect under 10x Magnification by a Trained Gemologist.

VS1-VS2 - Very Slightly Included (Two Grades): Minute Inclusions Seen only with Difficulty under 10x Magnification.

SI1-SI2 - Slightly Included (Two Grades): Minute Inclusions more Easily Detected Under 10x Magnification.

I1-I2-I3 - Included (Three Grades): Inclusions Visible under 10x Magnification As Well As to the Human Eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of internal flaws (inclusions) and surface blemishes. Higher clarity means fewer imperfections.

The best clarity grade is FL (Flawless), but VS1–VS2 diamonds offer an excellent balance of clarity and value.

Yes, but cut has the biggest impact. A well-cut diamond can sparkle brilliantly even if it has minor inclusions.

Yes, flaws are more noticeable in larger diamonds, so higher clarity is more important for stones over 1.5 carats.