Definitive Guide to Diamond Clarity (2024)

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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

THE BASICS --

Diamond clarity, the judgment of a stone’s crystalline perfection, is graded based on both internal flaws as well as surface defects. But what exactly do the different ratings of clarity mean for stone quality? Understanding the diamond clarity scale can help you better classify a diamond’s perfection and decide if its quality is what you are looking for in one of these precious gems.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• Clarity Grades
• included (I1)
• Slightly Included (SI)
• Very Slightly included (VS)
• Very Very Slightly Included (VVS)
• Internally Flawless (IF)
• Flawless (FL)
• Judging Clarity
• Buying a Diamond

Clarity Grades

While diamond clarity has always been recognized as a valuable trait for these precious gems, the standardized scale for grading diamond clarity was not introduced until 1953. Today, jewelers, gemologists, and lapidaries worldwide use the same scale to communicate diamond clarity so there is no confusion about the quality or condition of a stone.

Diamonds are rated for clarity as follows:

• I – Included – Deep inclusions are obvious and visible the naked eye. These diamonds are not often used for jewelry, as their significant structural flaws weaken the stones and greatly diminish their value.
• SI – Slightly Included – Small flaws are readily visible at 10 times magnification, and may still be visible to the naked eye when closely examined. These stones are often used for jewelry, particularly with clarity enhancements.
• VS – Very Slightly Included – These diamonds only show very small, minor flaws when viewed under 10 times magnification. Many cut diamonds fall into this clarity grade, and are popular for diamond engagement rings and other jewelry.
• VVS – Very, Very Slightly Included – Only very small, relatively insignificant flaws are detectable. These flaws are usually challenging to see even when magnified 10 times, and can be hard even for trained professionals to spot.
• IF – Internally Flawless – These diamonds show no internal flaws or inclusions, but may still exhibit surface flaws such as chips or scratches. Many high quality vintage diamonds are labeled as IF due to years of wear that produces surface flaws.
• FL – Flawless – Less than one percent of diamonds earn a flawless clarity grade, indicating no internal flaws or external abrasions of any kind. These are the rarest and most expensive diamonds.

Judging Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is judged not only on the type of flaws, inclusions, or imperfections. In addition to the overall character of flaws, the following traits are all factored into the diamond clarity scale.

• Total number of flaws in the stone
• Size and composition of different flaws
• How close to the surface flaws are, which impacts durability over time
• Visibility of the flaws, both to the naked eye as well as under magnification
• How flaws affect a diamond’s brilliance or color
• Whether the flaws change what types of jewelry the stone can be used in

 Another, more subjective factor is how different flaws may affect a diamond’s versatility and what types of jewelry pieces or setting styles it can be used in. Flaws that may have dramatic impacts on a stone’s durability or versatility will have especially strong influences on an overall clarity rating.

Buying a Diamond

When buying a loose diamond or any piece of diamond jewelry, it is important to carefully read the gemologist’s clarity report to determine the nature of any flaws and how they impact the stone and its overall value. The better you understand the diamond clarity scale, the easier it will be to compare clarity between different stones as you make the best selection for your budget, visual preferences, and diamond investment.