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Diamond Clarity Scale: FL to I3

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In This Guide
Overview →The Color Scale (D–Z) →The Clarity Scale (FL–I3) →Best Value Combinations →Lab vs. Natural Grading →

Diamond clarity measures the presence (or absence) of tiny natural imperfections called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (surface). Almost every diamond has some — they formed under extreme heat and pressure deep in the earth. The question is not "does it have inclusions?" but "can you see them?"

The GIA Clarity Scale

Grade Name What It Means Eye-Clean? Recommendation
FL Flawless No inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification Yes Extremely rare. Collector grade. Not worth the premium for wearing.
IF Internally Flawless No inclusions at 10x; minor surface blemishes only Yes Rare and expensive. No visual advantage over VVS1.
VVS1 Very Very Slightly Included 1 Inclusions extremely difficult to see at 10x Yes Premium grade. Worthwhile only at high budgets.
VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included 2 Inclusions very difficult to see at 10x Yes Good for step-cuts (emerald, Asscher) if budget allows.
VS1 Very Slightly Included 1 Minor inclusions visible at 10x with effort Yes Recommended for step-cut shapes. Excellent quality.
VS2 Very Slightly Included 2 Inclusions easily seen at 10x, invisible to naked eye Yes Best value for most buyers. Always eye-clean.
SI1 Slightly Included 1 Inclusions noticeable at 10x, usually not visible to naked eye Usually Best budget pick. ~90% are eye-clean in brilliant cuts.
SI2 Slightly Included 2 Inclusions easily visible at 10x, sometimes visible to naked eye Sometimes Hit or miss. Must inspect the specific diamond. Avoid for step-cuts.
I1 Included 1 Inclusions visible to the naked eye No Not recommended for engagement rings.
I2–I3 Included 2–3 Obvious inclusions that may affect brilliance and durability No Avoid. Inclusions can compromise structural integrity.

Types of Inclusions

Not all inclusions are equal. Some affect appearance more than others:

  • Pinpoints: Tiny white or black dots. Very common. Usually harmless — even clusters of pinpoints rarely affect appearance.
  • Feathers: Tiny fractures that look like feathers under magnification. Small feathers are harmless. Large feathers near the girdle can affect durability.
  • Clouds: Clusters of microscopic inclusions. Most are invisible. In rare cases, a large cloud can make a diamond appear slightly hazy.
  • Crystals: Tiny mineral crystals trapped inside the diamond. White crystals are less visible than dark ones.
  • Needles: Long, thin inclusions. Usually invisible to the naked eye.
  • Twinning wisps: Groups of pinpoints, clouds, and crystals formed during diamond growth. Common in some shapes.
What to look for on the clarity plot: Every GIA and IGI report includes a clarity plot — a diagram showing the position and type of inclusions. Look for inclusions that are off-center and white/transparent. Avoid diamonds with dark crystals directly under the table (the flat top facet) — those are the most likely to be visible to the naked eye.

Clarity by Diamond Shape

Shape Category Shapes Minimum Clarity Why
Brilliant cuts Round, Oval, Cushion, Pear, Princess, Marquise, Radiant, Heart SI1 High brilliance and many facets hide inclusions effectively
Step cuts Emerald, Asscher VS1 (VS2 minimum) Large, open facets act like windows — inclusions are more visible

The Price Impact of Clarity

Clarity has a significant impact on price, especially at the top of the scale. For a 1-carat, G-color, Excellent-cut round diamond, approximate price differences:

Clarity Approx. Price (1ct, G, Ex) Premium vs. VS2
IF$8,500–$10,000+60–80%
VVS1$7,200–$8,500+35–55%
VVS2$6,500–$7,500+20–35%
VS1$5,800–$6,800+8–20%
VS2$5,200–$5,800Baseline
SI1$4,200–$5,000-15–20%
SI2$3,200–$4,200-25–40%

Approximate natural diamond prices. Lab-grown diamonds follow similar relative pricing but at 60-80% lower absolute prices.

Find Your Clarity Grade

Filter certified diamonds by clarity — each one includes the full GIA or IGI grading report.

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In This Guide
Overview →The Color Scale (D–Z) →The Clarity Scale (FL–I3) →Best Value Combinations →Lab vs. Natural Grading →

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