Diamond Clarity

Cut | Color | Clarity | Carat Weight

The clarity of a diamond is determined by the size and number of inclusions inside of it. An inclusion can be another mineral, a fracture or occasionally a void. Simply put, it is anything that will interfere with the free passage of light.

Just like with color, there are many clarity grades. They are judged by what an expert can see at 10 power magnification, under ideal conditions. The highest grade a diamond you can get is Flawless. That means no inclusions can be seen at 10 power magnification. It does not mean inclusions can't be found with higher magnification, nor should you assume it is the only grade with no inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Clarity grades use the letters V, S and I. They stand for Very, Slight, and Inclusion. Progressing from Flawless, the grades are VVSI1, (Very, Very Slightl Inclusions One,) VVSI2, VSI1, VSI2, SI1 then SI2. These are the grades of diamonds that have no "eye visible" inclusions, those that can't be seen with the naked eye.

As we progress down the grading scale, there is I1. These have eye visible inclusions, but are still considered to be gem grade.

Beware of ads "1 carat diamond ring, $299." Just because something is a diamond, doesn't mean it is a gem. In fact, the vast majority of diamonds mined are usually considered "industrial grade" and are used as abrasives.


FL, IF Diamonds:
Flawless: No internal or external flaws.
Internally Flawless: No interanl flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds.


WS1, WS2 Diamonds:
Very very slight included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.


VS1, VS2 Diamonds: Very Slight Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2 Diamonds:
Slight Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.

I1, I2, I3 Diamonds:
Included: Inclusions are visible with the unaided eye.