A Guide To The Diamond Clarity Chart

Diamond clarity refers to the grade given to a diamond based on the imperfections and inclusions found in a diamond. The fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the higher grade it will receive on the diamond clarity chart. The clarity can have a significant impact on a diamond’s cost (it’s one of the diamond 4Cs – the main characteristics of a diamond). However, many imperfections that affect a diamond’s clarity grade aren’t visible to the naked or unaided eye.

In this article, we will discuss the different diamond grades and what the different types of inclusions are. More importantly, we will explain how you can use clarity to get the best bang for your buck when purchasing a diamond.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What is a diamond clarity chart?
What is the best clarity grade?
How to choose the right clarity grade
How are clarity grades determined?
What are the types of inclusions in diamond clarity?
Buying tips for diamond clarity
FAQs
Bottom line recommendation

What is the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale?

To provide shoppers with an understanding of each diamond’s clarity level, grading institutes like the Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) use diamond clarity charts to judge diamonds based on their appearance and give each stone a clarity grade within a given scale. 

Diamond clarity scales range from I (meaning “included”) to FL (meaning “flawless”). Each clarity grade has subgrades that provide more information about the visibility of inclusions in the diamond.

Internally Flawless (IF)

Internally Flawless / Flawless – No internal or external imperfections. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare.

Here's an example of an FL/IF diamond

Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1)

Very Very Slightly Included (1st Degree) – Diamond clarity inclusions rated VVS1 are not visible at all under 10x magnification.

Here's an example of an VVS1 diamond

Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2)

Very Very Slightly Included (2nd Degree) – Diamond clarity inclusions rated VVS2 are sometimes just barely visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). When they are visible, they are quite difficult to find and can often take quite a while to locate.

Here's an example of an VVS2 diamond

Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)

Very Slightly Included (1st Degree) – VS1 diamond clarity inclusions are just barely visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). When looking for VS1 clarity inclusions with a loupe, it can sometimes take a good few seconds until the pinpoint is located.

Here's an example of an VS1 diamond

Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)

Very Slightly Included (2nd Degree) – VS2 clarity inclusions are almost always easily noticeable at 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). Occasionally, the inclusion will be located in a difficult-to-spot location, but otherwise, the inclusion is large enough that it can be spotted quickly under magnification.

Here's an example of an VS2 diamond

Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)

Slightly Included (1st Degree) – SI1 Clarity inclusions are easily found with a standard jeweler’s loupe at 10x magnification. With most shapes (to the exclusion of step cuts like Asscher and Emerald Cuts), SI1 clarity inclusions are almost always clean to the naked eye.

Here's an example of an SI1 diamond

Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)

Slightly Included (2nd Degree) – SI2 clarity inclusions are seen clearly and obviously with the help of a jeweler’s loupe. With step cuts like Emerald and Asscher cuts, an SI2 clarity inclusion will most likely be visible to the naked eye.

Here's an example of an SI2 diamond

Inclusions 1 (I1)

Included (1st Degree) – I1 clarity inclusions are even more obvious and clearly seen than SI2 clarity inclusions. Most I1 inclusions are visible to the naked eye—even on brilliant cuts.

Here's an example of an I1 diamond

Inclusions 2/3 (I2/I3)

Included (2nd/3rd Degree) – I2/I3 clarity inclusions are even more obvious and clearly seen. Most I2/3 inclusions will encompass most of the diamond—even on brilliant cuts.

If you want some help finding a diamond that has inclusions, yet is eye-clean, feel free to contact us.

The Best Clarity Grade vs. The Best Clarity Grade for You

When educating yourself about diamonds, it’s easy to get lost in the technical details. You may end up asking a question and receiving a technically correct answer, but it will result in you making a bad choice when purchasing a diamond. “What is the best clarity grade for a diamond” is a perfect example of this.

The answer to that question is seemingly simple. A Flawless (FL) diamond clarity grade is the highest possible grade a diamond can receive. Since it’s the best grade, you should try to get one with that grade (or as close to it as possible), right? WRONG!

In many ways a diamond clarity grade is meaningless. We’ll explain all the technical parameters regarding clarity below, but the most important factor is this: Can you see the inclusions with your naked eye (without a magnifying glass or microscope) once the diamond is mounted in the ring? Everything else (with a few exceptions) is just noise.

Eye-Cleanliness is More Important Than the Clarity Grade

Take a look at this beautiful 1 carat SI1 diamond from James Allen. There is absolutely no way you will see the inclusions once the diamond is mounted in a ring. Compare it to this 1 carat internally flawless diamond. If you would have those diamonds side by side you would not be able to tell the difference.

There is one big difference between those two diamonds that everyone can notice, that is the price. The SI1 clarity grade costs $3,540 while the internally flawless diamond is slightly over $6,360. So you are paying a whopping 80% premium for a characteristic that has zero impact on how the diamond looks.

You are better off putting that money towards something that will make the diamond look better. For example, you can get a larger diamond or you can focus on the cut (which will make the diamond more brilliant). Better yet, you can just save that money.

The Diamond Clarity Chart That Actually Matters

While it’s true that you need to understand the GIA clarity scale (diamond prices are calculated in large part due to their clarity grade), what you need to know is how to find an eye-clean diamond. This chart shows you what your chances are of finding an eye-clean diamond in a particular grade.

Those percentages are based on your typical one carat diamonds. So you are best off looking for a diamond in the VS2 – SI2 range when purchasing a one carat diamond. It’s true that the overwhelming majority of SI2 diamonds will not be eye-clean, but who cares? You aren’t buying all the SI2 diamonds, you are picking out the one for you.

As diamonds get larger, the inclusions get larger as well. You’ll find that it’s harder to find an eye-clean 2 carat SI2 diamond than it is to find a one carat. It’s a bit of an art form to pick a diamond based off of the videos on James Allen or Blue Nile (or other reputable online retailers), so feel free to contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect diamond. Everyone on our team has picked out thousands of diamonds for our readers.

If you are looking at the diamond in a physical retailer, be sure to walk around the store and see if you can find the inclusions in different lighting scenarios. Some inclusions will be hidden by the sparkle under the perfect lighting at the desk, then you’ll be sitting in your kitchen and notice a black mark. Once you see it, that is all you’ll ever see when looking at your diamond.

How Are Clarity Grades Determined?

Natural diamonds are formed in the earth’s mantle layer at a depth ranging between 80-120 miles, and they face extreme heat up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. While their growth takes between one billion to three billion years, only the rarest diamonds emerge in perfect condition. Most often they are imperfect and contain varying amounts of internal inclusions and surface blemishes.

As the AGS explains, inclusions usually develop as a result of heat and pressure, while blemishes tend to appear during the cutting and polishing process, or as a result of wear that affects the surface of the diamond.

When determining the clarity of diamonds on a clarity scale, experts will note the appearance of the diamond when it is face up, with a microscope at 10x magnification and eye visibility. However, to identify any diamond inclusions there may be, a higher power than 10x will be used. Otherwise, it may be too difficult to determine.

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Artificial Intelligence is playing a more prominent role in diamond grading. According to Rapaport Magazine, “Today, using artificial intelligence (AI) has become a go-to method for grading diamonds.” The GIA developed its own AI-based system for grading diamonds in partnership with IBM, with the system going into operation in GIA labs in 2020.

The GIA AI clarity grading “is built on globally accepted standards — the GIA International Diamond Grading System — and [on the] GIA’s decades of research and analysis from tens of millions of diamonds” added Tom Moses of the GIA.

Five factors play a significant role in how a diamond is graded, and how its “score” on the diamond clarity chart is determined. These five roles in diamond grading include size, nature, number, location, and the relief of the inclusions.

1. Size – The size of the inclusions in a diamond is one of the most important factors in determining its clarity grade. The bigger the inclusions, the larger the impact they’ll have on a diamond’s appearance.

2. Nature – Nature refers to the type of inclusions that can be seen in the diamond, as well as the depth of these inclusions within the diamond.

3. Number – Grading entities also take into account the number of inclusions within a diamond. If a diamond has a large number of inclusions, even if small, they can have a large impact on its appearance and clarity. 

4. Location – The location of an inclusion refers to where on the diamond the inclusion is located. If the inclusion is situated in closer proximity to the center of the table, then the inclusion is more visible to the eye and the clarity grade will be impacted much more.

5. Relief – The relief is referring to how noticeable the inclusions are in comparison with the diamond — put simply, how much contrast there is between the diamond and the inclusions. The higher the relief, the darker the color may seem which can affect diamond grading.

Different Types of Inclusions in Diamond Clarity

Although the term inclusion is often used to refer to any type of imperfection in a diamond, there are several different types of inclusions that can affect a diamond’s appearance.

Here are some of the most common types of inclusions and the effect each type can have on a diamond’s clarity:

• Cloud – A cloud isn’t one imperfection in a diamond — instead, it’s a group of very small pinpoints that are clustered together. Clouds can affect a diamond’s brilliance by giving it a dull, hazy look. If there are lots of large clouds within a diamond, we call it a cloudy diamond.
• Graining – Graining is a type of internal inclusion that develops because of irregular crystal growth. When a diamond has graining, it will show white, colored, or reflective internal lines that give the diamond a very hazy appearance.
• Cavity –Cavities are surface dents or cracks in a diamond. They can appear colorless or colored based on the type of minerals that exist within the body of the diamond. If the crystal inclusions of the cavity are colored, they will then be much more obvious in appearance and can most likely be seen with the unaided eye.
• Feather – Feathers are small cracks that, as their name suggests, have a feathery look when viewed from certain angles. Some feathers are obvious, while others are barely noticeable. When a diamond has feathers, they can either appear clear or capture light and give off a white appearance.

When it comes to assessing a diamond’s inclusions, it’s always best to consider the advice of a professional. You should also look at the diamond’s GIA certificate for a fuller understanding of its inclusions and imperfections.

Top 3 Buying Tips For Diamond Clarity

Before purchasing a diamond, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best value and beauty, especially when it comes to clarity. 

1. Don’t overpay

It’s very easy to overpay for clarity. In most cases, a VS1 or VS2 diamond will be eye-clean just like an FL diamond, but cost far less. Instead of focusing on a certain clarity grade, choose the lowest clarity grade that still presents an eye-clean diamond. Your budget is better spent on factors that more greatly impact a diamond’s beauty, like the quality of a diamond cut.

2. Aim for the Best Diamond Clarity

The best clarity grade depends on the shape of your diamond. As we mentioned above, some diamond shapes are much better at hiding inclusions and other imperfections than others.

3. Review the diamond closely

Besides looking at the certificate and clarity plot, carefully review the diamond to look for visible inclusions. Online vendors, particularly James Allen and Blue Nile, have high-end photography for just this purpose.

Look to see if you notice any blemishes or inclusions. If you do notice some, take note of where they are on the diamond. Are they in the middle of the table, where they’ll be visible, or near the edge of the diamond, where they could be covered up by the setting?

The main goal is to find a diamond that’s eye-clean without overpaying. If you’re not sure, get an expert’s opinion.

FAQs About Diamond Clarity

Received great in-depth assistance from Veronika on my quest to buy an engagement ring for my partner. It can be quite a minefield for someone without industry know-how to get a great, well-cut diamond on the online marketplace, so the second opinion was not only welcome but desperately sought. In the end, I received wonderful advice and am confident the diamond purchased was the best my budget could afford! Thank you

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Arthur

Jan 27, 2023

I’m really happy with the guidance I’ve got from Veronika from The Diamond Pro. Without her I haven’t bought a diamond this big, bright and shiny just because I didn’t had the knowledge. Because of her advise I bought the best value for money diamond. Really happy with her advise!

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Niels B.

Dec 1, 2022

Contact Our Experts For Assistance With Buying Engagement Rings Online

We understand that buying a diamond can be a confusing process, especially when it comes to subjective things such as determining if a diamond is eye-clean.

If you’re not sure what to look for, confused by different clarity grades or diamond color grading, or just want an expert to guide you through the process, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’ve helped thousands of our readers buy beautiful engagement rings and other high-quality diamond jewelry, and we’re happy to help you too.

Here are more specific clarity topics to browse:

• Is diamond color or diamond clarity more important?
• What are I2 diamonds and their average price?
• What are I1 diamonds and their average price?
• What are SI3 diamonds and their average price?
• What are SI2 diamonds and their average price?
• What are SI1 diamonds and their average price?
• What is VS diamond clarity?
• What are VS2 diamonds and their average price?
• What are VS1 diamonds and their average price?
• What are VVS diamonds and their average price?
• What are VVS2 diamonds and their average price?
• What are VVS1 diamonds and their average price?
• What are internally flawless diamonds and their average price?
• What is the best clarity for lab-grown diamonds?
• Is diamond fluorescence under UV light good or bad?

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisal
• One free resizing within the first year of purchase
• High quality images of about half of their diamonds
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Comments

JP

Isn’t a VS2 more likely to be eye-clean than an SI1?

December 18, 2023

Reply:

Mike Fried

VS2s are more likely to be eye-clean, but that doesn’t matter to you, the consumer. Say you have 100 VS2 diamonds and 100 SI1 diamonds. 75 of the VS2 diamonds may be eye-clean compared to only 20 SI1s. So what? You aren’t buying one hundred diamonds; you are selecting the one perfect diamond for your needs. Finding one of those eye-clean SI1 diamonds at a lower price than the VS2 diamond lets you maximize your value without sacrificing one bit on quality.

December 19, 2023

RA

I am looking at a 1.01 G SI1 but on the clarity comments it says “cloud not shown”. Should I be concerned?

December 22, 2023

Reply:

Mike Fried

Clouds can be tricky, but you are in the clear here. If the only clarity comment would be “Clarity grade based on cloud not shown,” that means the majority of the diamond has a strong cloud and it will completely lack brilliance. A simple “cloud not shown” signifies a minor wisp of a cloud somewhere that shouldn’t have any impact on the diamond. I would have no problem recommending that diamond to you.

December 23, 2023

LO

Is clarity more important than color?

January 3, 2024

Reply:

Mike Fried

Both color and clarity are “line in the sand” qualities. There is a certain point where a diamond goes from eye-clean to noticing the inclusion. At that point, you shouldn’t purchase the diamond, as all you’ll notice is the glaring black dot or white line. Same for color. Once you notice the diamond doesn’t look clear, it’ll frustrate you, and that will be all you see. You are better off sacrificing size to ensure you don’t cross those lines. As long as the diamond is eye-clean and clear, the specific color and clarity grades don’t matter much. I would say they are about equal in that regard.

January 5, 2024

About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.