DIAMOND GUIDE

The Complete Diamond Clarity Guide - GIA Scale Explained

March 3, 2026 12 min read KMSGems Laboratory 5,678 views

Watch: Radiant Cut Diamond Guide - Color, Clarity & Carat Explained

Complete guide to radiant cut diamonds - learn how clarity, color, and cut affect diamond value

Introduction: What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the international standard for grading diamond clarity, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Understanding clarity is essential for selecting the right diamond and getting the best value for your budget.

The GIA Clarity Scale

FL IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I2 I3

Part 1: Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)

FL - Flawless

No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification by a trained grader. Less than 0.5% of diamonds fall into this category. Extremely rare and valuable.

FL

IF - Internally Flawless

No internal inclusions visible under 10x, but may have minor surface blemishes that can be removed with polishing. Also very rare.

IF

Part 2: VVS - Very Very Slightly Included

VVS1 - Very Very Slightly Included 1

Minute inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x, even for experienced graders. Inclusions are usually only visible from the pavilion (bottom).

VVS1

VVS2 - Very Very Slightly Included 2

Minute inclusions difficult to see under 10x. Inclusions may be slightly easier to locate than VVS1 but still extremely clean to the naked eye.

VVS2

Part 3: VS - Very Slightly Included

VS1 - Very Slightly Included 1

Minor inclusions visible under 10x but difficult to see. Inclusions may be crystals, feathers, or clouds that don't affect brilliance.

VS1

VS2 - Very Slightly Included 2

Minor inclusions visible under 10x, slightly easier to spot than VS1. Still eye-clean in most sizes.

VS2

Part 4: SI - Slightly Included

SI1 - Slightly Included 1

Noticeable inclusions visible under 10x. May be visible to the naked eye in larger stones (>1ct) or with close inspection.

SI1

SI2 - Slightly Included 2

Easily visible inclusions under 10x. Usually visible to the naked eye, especially in rounds and larger sizes.

SI2

Part 5: I - Included

I1 - Included 1

Inclusions visible to the naked eye. May affect transparency and brilliance. Suitable for budget-conscious buyers.

I1

I2 - Included 2

Prominent inclusions visible to naked eye. Noticeable impact on brilliance and transparency.

I2

I3 - Included 3

Obvious inclusions visible without magnification. Severe impact on brilliance, transparency, and durability.

I3

Part 6: Types of Inclusions

  • Feather - Internal fracture, can affect durability
  • Crystal - Mineral crystal trapped inside
  • Cloud - Group of tiny pinpoints, can cause haziness
  • Needle - Long thin crystal inclusion
  • Pinpoint - Tiny white or black dot
  • Knot - Included crystal reaching surface
  • Cavity - Surface-reaching opening
  • Chip - Small surface nick
  • Bruise - Small impact area with internal feathering

Part 7: Clarity and Diamond Size

Diamond Size Recommended Clarity Budget Option
0.25 - 0.50 ct SI1 or higher SI2
0.50 - 1.00 ct VS2 or higher SI1
1.00 - 2.00 ct VS1 or higher VS2
2.00+ ct VVS2 or higher VS1

Part 8: Clarity and Diamond Shape

Different diamond shapes hide inclusions differently:

  • Round brilliant - Best at hiding inclusions
  • Princess cut - Good at hiding, corners may show inclusions
  • Emerald cut - Poor at hiding, requires higher clarity
  • Asscher cut - Similar to emerald, needs higher clarity
  • Cushion cut - Good at hiding inclusions
  • Oval/Marquise/Pear - Center inclusions more visible

Part 9: How Clarity Affects Price

  • FL/IF - 100% baseline (most expensive)
  • VVS1-2 - 40-60% of FL price
  • VS1-2 - 25-35% of FL price
  • SI1-2 - 15-25% of FL price
  • I1-3 - 5-15% of FL price

Note: Prices vary based on other Cs (color, cut, carat)

Part 10: Choosing the Best Clarity Grade

Recommendations by use:

  • Engagement rings - VS2 or SI1 (eye-clean, best value)
  • Investment diamonds - VVS2 or higher
  • Earrings - SI2 or I1 (less scrutiny)
  • Pendants - SI1 or VS2
  • Collectors - FL or IF

Conclusion: Clarity is Key to Diamond Value

Understanding diamond clarity helps you make informed decisions and get the best value for your budget. Remember that "eye-clean" diamonds (VS2 and SI1) often provide the best balance of beauty and value. Watch the video above for visual demonstrations of clarity grades and how they affect diamond appearance.

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