What Is Diamond Clarity?
Every diamond was forged roughly 100 miles beneath the earth's surface under extreme heat (over 2,000°F) and immense pressure (725,000 pounds per square inch). Under those violent conditions, it is almost impossible for a diamond crystal to form perfectly. Tiny remnants of the growth process get trapped inside the stone, and irregularities develop on its surface. These are the characteristics that gemologists evaluate when assigning a clarity grade.
Internal characteristics are called inclusions — microscopic crystals, fractures, or structural irregularities within the diamond. Surface irregularities are called blemishes — scratches, nicks, or naturals on the outside of the polished stone. Together, these are sometimes referred to as clarity characteristics (the GIA intentionally avoids calling them “flaws” because they are a natural part of how diamonds form).
The GIA Clarity Scale is the international standard for evaluating diamond clarity. It has 11 grades, ranging from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included 3). All grading is performed under 10x magnification — the industry-standard power — by trained gemologists who assess the number, size, position, nature, and relief (contrast) of each inclusion. Understanding this scale is essential for making smart purchase decisions, because the difference between certain grades is invisible to the naked eye yet can represent thousands of dollars in price. For a broader overview of how clarity fits alongside cut, color, and carat weight, see our Diamond Buyers Guide.
The GIA Clarity Scale
The scale below shows all 11 clarity grades from best (Flawless) to lowest (Included 3). Grades are grouped into six categories: Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included, and Included.
Flawless
Very Very Slightly Included
Very Slightly Included
Slightly Included
Included
Key fact: Grades FL through VS2 are
always eye-clean — no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. The value sweet spot is VS2 to SI1, where diamonds look identical to Flawless but cost 30–60% less. Shop
VS1 diamonds or
SI1 diamonds to see current inventory.
Clarity Grades Explained
The following table breaks down each of the 11 GIA clarity grades with a detailed description of what each grade means in practice and whether inclusions are visible without magnification.
| Grade |
Full Name |
What It Means |
Visibility |
| FL |
Flawless |
No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification. The rarest clarity grade — fewer than 1% of gem-quality diamonds earn this designation. |
Nothing visible at any magnification up to 10x. Absolutely clean. |
| IF |
Internally Flawless |
No internal inclusions under 10x magnification. Only insignificant surface blemishes (minor polish marks or very faint scratches) that can often be removed by minor re-polishing. |
Eye-clean. Only surface blemishes visible at 10x, and even those are difficult to find. |
| VVS1 |
Very Very Slightly Included 1 |
Contains minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. Typically tiny pinpoints or faint needles positioned away from the table facet. |
Eye-clean. Inclusions invisible without magnification and very hard to find even at 10x. |
| VVS2 |
Very Very Slightly Included 2 |
Contains minute inclusions that are very difficult to see at 10x. Slightly more visible or more centrally located than VVS1, but still require significant effort to identify. Shop VVS diamonds. |
Eye-clean. No inclusions visible to the naked eye under any circumstances. |
| VS1 |
Very Slightly Included 1 |
Minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see at 10x magnification. Often small crystals, clouds, or feathers. Rarely visible even under close inspection without a loupe. |
Eye-clean. A trained gemologist may spot them with effort under magnification, but never with the naked eye. |
| VS2 |
Very Slightly Included 2 |
Minor inclusions that are somewhat easy to see at 10x. Inclusions may be slightly larger or more centrally placed than VS1. This is the grade most experts consider the best value for quality-conscious buyers. |
Eye-clean in virtually all cases. Excellent choice for any diamond shape. |
| SI1 |
Slightly Included 1 |
Noticeable inclusions that are easy to see at 10x magnification. However, in most brilliant-cut diamonds, these inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. This is the sweet spot for budget-minded buyers. Shop SI1 diamonds. |
Eye-clean in most brilliant-cut shapes (round, oval, cushion, pear). May be visible in larger step-cuts. |
| SI2 |
Slightly Included 2 |
Inclusions are easily visible at 10x and may be visible to the naked eye, especially in step-cut shapes or diamonds over 1.5 carats. Careful selection is needed to find eye-clean SI2 stones. |
Sometimes eye-clean in smaller brilliant-cut diamonds. Often visible in step-cuts and larger stones. |
| I1 |
Included 1 |
Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and typically visible to the naked eye. May slightly affect transparency or brilliance. Some buyers accept I1 for maximum carat weight on a tight budget. |
Usually visible to the naked eye. May affect sparkle depending on inclusion type and position. |
| I2 |
Included 2 |
Inclusions are easily visible to the naked eye and may affect the diamond's transparency, brilliance, and in some cases structural integrity. Large dark crystals or prominent feathers are common. |
Clearly visible without magnification. Noticeably impacts appearance. |
| I3 |
Included 3 |
Inclusions are very obvious to the naked eye, significantly affecting transparency and brilliance. May also compromise durability if large fractures are present. Generally not recommended for fine jewelry. |
Prominently visible. Significant impact on beauty and potentially on durability. |
Types of Inclusions
Not all inclusions are created equal. The type, size, position, and color of an inclusion determine how much it affects a diamond's appearance and grade. Here are the most common types you will encounter on a GIA or IGI certificate:
Pinpoints
Tiny mineral crystals embedded within the diamond — the most common inclusion type. Individual pinpoints are nearly invisible even at 10x magnification. They become a concern only when they cluster together to form a cloud. A few scattered pinpoints have virtually zero impact on appearance.
Clouds
Clusters of many tiny pinpoints grouped together. Small clouds are harmless and invisible. However, a very large cloud — especially one that covers a significant portion of the diamond — can create a hazy or milky appearance, reducing transparency and brilliance. If a GIA report notes “clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown,” examine the diamond carefully or request high-resolution imagery.
Feathers
Small fractures or cleavages within the diamond that resemble tiny feathers when viewed under magnification. Most feathers are completely harmless — they are simply gaps in the crystal lattice that formed during growth. They only become a durability concern if they are very large, reach the surface near the girdle, and the diamond is graded I2 or I3. In VS and SI grades, feathers are structurally insignificant.
Crystals
Tiny minerals (such as garnet, peridot, or even another diamond) that became trapped inside the host diamond during formation. They can be transparent, colored, or dark. Dark crystals under the table are the most visible type of inclusion and are the primary reason certain SI1 or SI2 diamonds are not eye-clean. Transparent crystals, by contrast, are nearly invisible.
Needles
Long, thin crystal rods that appear as fine lines under magnification. Individual needles are typically white or transparent and extremely difficult to see — they have minimal impact on appearance. Multiple needles clustered together may create a visible haze in lower clarity grades.
Twinning Wisps
Intergrown inclusions that formed during changes in the diamond crystal's growth direction. They often appear as a ribbon-like pattern of pinpoints, clouds, and crystals intertwined together. Twinning wisps are especially common in fancy shapes like pear, marquise, and heart cuts. Small wisps are harmless; large ones can create a cloudy area.
Knots
A crystal inclusion that extends to the surface of the polished diamond. Knots can sometimes be seen as a slightly raised area on a facet. They are more common in lower clarity grades and can affect the smoothness of the polish. In higher grades, cutters position the rough to avoid leaving knots on the surface.
Indented Naturals
Small portions of the original rough diamond surface that were left on the polished stone, dipping slightly below the finished surface. They are typically found near the girdle and are evidence that the cutter preserved maximum carat weight from the rough. Indented naturals near the girdle are easily hidden by prong settings and rarely affect appearance.
The “Eye-Clean” Concept
Eye-clean is arguably the single most important concept for smart diamond buying. A diamond is considered eye-clean when its inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye at a normal viewing distance (6–12 inches), viewed face-up. This is not an official laboratory grade — it is a practical assessment of whether the diamond looks perfect in real-world conditions.
Here is why this matters so much: a Flawless diamond and an eye-clean SI1 diamond look absolutely identical when worn on the finger. The only difference is visible under 10x magnification in a gemological lab — a setting you will never encounter in daily life. Yet the Flawless diamond can cost 3–5 times more than the SI1.
The practical upshot: most SI1 diamonds and many SI2 diamonds (especially in brilliant-cut shapes under 1.5 carats) are eye-clean. Every VS2 and above is eye-clean by definition. This means you can safely drop from VVS or VS grades down to SI1 and redirect those savings toward a better cut grade, a higher carat weight, or a more beautiful setting — differences that people actually will notice.
The smart buyer's rule: Always prioritize
excellent cut first, then find the
lowest clarity grade that is still eye-clean. For most shapes and sizes, that is VS2 or SI1. Invest the savings where they actually show — in cut quality and carat weight.
How Shape Affects Clarity Visibility
Diamond shape has a significant impact on how visible inclusions are. The two main categories — brilliant cuts and step cuts — handle inclusions very differently due to their facet patterns.
Brilliant Cuts (Round, Oval, Cushion, Pear, Marquise, Heart, Radiant)
Brilliant-cut diamonds have many small, angled facets that create intense sparkle and fire. This complex facet pattern acts as natural camouflage — it breaks up and scatters light in a way that makes inclusions much harder to spot. The constant flashing and scintillation draws the eye away from any imperfections. As a result, SI1 diamonds in brilliant cuts are almost always eye-clean, and even some SI2 stones can pass the eye-clean test.
Step Cuts (Emerald, Asscher)
Step-cut diamonds have long, open, parallel facets arranged like a hall of mirrors. These large, flat facet planes act as windows into the diamond, making inclusions significantly more visible. There is less sparkle to mask imperfections. For emerald and Asscher cuts, we recommend VS2 or higher for the best visual result, especially in diamonds over 1 carat.
| Shape |
Cut Style |
Inclusion Visibility |
Recommended Minimum |
| Round Brilliant |
Brilliant |
Low — facets mask inclusions well |
SI1 (often eye-clean) |
| Oval |
Brilliant |
Low — similar masking to round |
SI1 |
| Cushion |
Brilliant / Modified |
Low to Moderate |
SI1 (VS2 for crushed-ice cushions) |
| Pear |
Brilliant |
Low |
SI1 |
| Marquise |
Brilliant |
Low |
SI1 |
| Heart |
Brilliant |
Low |
SI1 |
| Radiant |
Brilliant |
Low |
SI1 |
| Princess |
Brilliant / Mixed |
Low to Moderate |
VS2–SI1 |
| Emerald |
Step |
High — large open facets reveal inclusions |
VS2 or higher |
| Asscher |
Step |
High — similar to emerald |
VS2 or higher |
Clarity and Carat Weight
A diamond's size directly affects how visible its inclusions are. A larger diamond has a bigger table facet (the flat top), which provides a wider “window” into the stone. An inclusion that is completely invisible in a 0.50-carat diamond may become noticeable in the same clarity grade at 2.00 carats. Here are practical guidelines by carat weight range:
Under 1 Carat
SI1 or SI2
Small diamonds hide inclusions very well. SI1 is almost always eye-clean at this size. Even SI2 is often safe in brilliant cuts. Maximize your carat weight and cut quality.
1–2 Carats
VS2 or SI1
The most popular range for engagement rings. VS2 is always eye-clean. SI1 is eye-clean in most brilliant cuts but inspect carefully for step cuts.
Over 2 Carats
VS2 or Higher
Larger table facets make inclusions easier to spot. VS2 is the safe minimum. For step cuts over 2 carats, consider VS1 or better for guaranteed eye-clean results.
The key takeaway: as carat weight increases, nudge your clarity grade up by one notch to maintain an eye-clean result. A 0.70ct SI1 looks the same as a 2.00ct VS2 — both are eye-clean, both are excellent value. The mistake is buying a 2.00ct SI1 in an emerald cut without inspecting it first.
Tips for Choosing Clarity
Here are the practical strategies that professional diamond buyers and gemologists use to get the best clarity for the money:
1
Target VS2 or SI1 for Best Value
These grades offer eye-clean diamonds at a 30–60% discount compared to VVS and FL. There is zero visible difference on the finger. This is the single biggest money-saving tip in diamond buying. Browse VS1 and SI1 diamonds in our inventory.
2
Inclusion Position Matters More Than Grade
An inclusion directly under the table (center of the diamond) is far more visible than one near the girdle (edge). A well-positioned SI1 with inclusions near the girdle can look cleaner than a poorly-positioned VS2 with a dark crystal under the table. Even better: inclusions near the girdle are often hidden by prong settings, effectively disappearing once the diamond is mounted.
3
Review the Clarity Plot on the Certificate
Every GIA or IGI certificate includes a clarity plot — a diagram showing the location and type of each inclusion. Red markings are internal inclusions; green markings are surface blemishes. Study this plot before purchasing. A diamond with inclusions clustered off to one side is a better buy than one with a central inclusion, even at the same grade.
4
Match Clarity to Shape
As discussed above, brilliant cuts hide inclusions; step cuts expose them. If you are buying an emerald or Asscher cut, spend a bit more on clarity (VS2 minimum). If you are buying a round brilliant, you can safely go SI1 and redirect the savings toward a larger stone or a better cut grade.
5
Prioritize Cut Over Clarity
Of the 4Cs, cut quality has the greatest impact on a diamond's beauty. A well-cut SI1 diamond will outsparkle a poorly-cut VVS1 every time, because superior light performance creates more brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Never sacrifice cut grade to upgrade clarity — you would be paying more for something invisible while losing something everyone can see.
6
Consider Lab-Grown for Higher Clarity at Lower Cost
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale and are real diamonds with identical optical properties. Because they cost 60–80% less than natural diamonds of equal grade, you can afford a higher clarity (VS1 or VVS2) in a lab-grown stone for the same price as an SI1 natural. If maximizing clarity matters to you, lab-grown is worth exploring.
Find Your Perfect Diamond
Browse GIA and IGI certified diamonds by clarity grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clarity grade for an engagement ring?
For most engagement rings,
VS2 or
SI1 offers the best balance of beauty and value. These grades are eye-clean in nearly all brilliant-cut diamonds (round, oval, cushion, pear), meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. You get the same visual appearance as a Flawless diamond at 30–60% less cost. For step-cut shapes like emerald or Asscher, consider VS1 or higher since their large open facets can reveal inclusions more easily. Browse our
engagement ring collection to see options across all clarity grades.
What does "eye-clean" mean for diamonds?
A diamond is considered eye-clean when its inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye at a normal viewing distance of 6–12 inches, viewed face-up. This is not an official GIA grade — it is an industry term used by jewelers and gemologists to describe diamonds where clarity imperfections are only visible under 10x magnification. Most VS2 and many SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, making them excellent value choices.
Can inclusions damage a diamond?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Most inclusions (pinpoints, crystals, clouds, needles) are structurally harmless and have no effect on a diamond's durability. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth (10 on the Mohs scale). The only exception is a large feather (fracture) that reaches the surface near the girdle of an I2 or I3 diamond — in rare cases, a hard impact on that exact spot could cause chipping. For any diamond graded SI2 or above, durability is not a concern.
Is VS1 or VS2 clarity better value?
For most buyers, VS2 is the better value. Both VS1 and VS2 are eye-clean in virtually all diamond shapes and sizes, but VS2 typically costs 10–15% less than VS1. The only scenario where VS1 is worth the upgrade is for large step-cut diamonds (emerald or Asscher cuts over 2 carats), where the open facet pattern can occasionally make a VS2 inclusion visible. For round brilliants and other fancy shapes, VS2 delivers the same visual result as VS1 at a lower price.
Do lab-grown diamonds have inclusions?
Yes,
lab-grown diamonds have inclusions just like natural diamonds. They are real diamonds with the same crystal structure, and the growth process creates similar types of imperfections. However, the inclusion types can differ — lab diamonds may contain metallic flux remnants (in HPHT-grown stones) or small carbon spots (in CVD-grown stones) rather than the mineral crystals typical of natural diamonds. Lab diamonds are graded on the exact same GIA/IGI clarity scale from FL to I3.
How do I read a diamond clarity plot on a GIA certificate?
A GIA
diamond certificate includes a clarity plot — a diagram showing the location, size, and type of each inclusion. Red symbols represent internal inclusions (crystals, feathers, clouds), while green symbols represent surface blemishes (scratches, nicks). The key below the plot explains each symbol. When evaluating a clarity plot, focus on inclusions under the
table (top center facet) — those are most visible face-up. Inclusions near the girdle (edge) are often hidden by prongs in a setting and have minimal visual impact.
Continue Learning: The 4Cs