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The 4Cs — Clarity
Diamond
Diamond
Clarity Guide
Clarity measures the presence of natural inclusions and blemishes within a diamond. It is the most flexible of the 4Cs — the one where intelligent buyers consistently find the best value without any visible compromise in the finished ring.
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Understanding Clarity
What Diamond Clarity Means
Clarity measures the extent to which a diamond is free from internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface characteristics (blemishes). All diamonds are graded under 10× magnification by a trained gemologist.
Almost every diamond formed in nature contains some degree of internal characteristics — microscopic crystals, fractures, or growth irregularities that were captured within the stone as it formed under extreme heat and pressure billions of years ago. These characteristics are unique to each diamond and are sometimes described as its fingerprint.
The GIA clarity grading system assesses these characteristics under 10× magnification — a jeweller's loupe — and assigns a grade based on the size, number, position, nature, and visibility of any features found. The grade tells you what a trained grader sees through magnification. It does not automatically tell you what you will see with your naked eye in a ring.
This distinction is the foundation of smart clarity buying: most inclusions below the VS range are invisible without magnification. An SI1 diamond that is "eye-clean" — meaning its inclusions cannot be seen with the unaided eye — looks identical to a Flawless diamond when worn. Yet the price difference can be 40–60%.
The goal is not the highest grade on the certificate. The goal is a diamond that appears clean to the naked eye in the setting you have chosen — and finding the lowest grade that achieves that result.
10×
Standard Magnification for Grading
All GIA clarity grades are assigned under 10× magnification. What the grader sees through a loupe is not what the wearer sees with the naked eye.
SI1
LuxeBrilliance Recommended Minimum
An eye-clean SI1 is indistinguishable from a Flawless diamond in a ring — and costs 40–55% less. VS2 or VS1 for step-cut shapes where clarity is more visible.
3rd
Most Flexible of the 4Cs
After Cut and Colour, Clarity is where the most budget savings can be found without any visible impact on beauty in the finished ring.
The GIA Scale
The 11-Grade Clarity Scale
The GIA clarity scale has 11 grades across 6 categories — from Flawless at the top to Included (I3) at the base. Most quality diamonds sold in fine jewellery fall between VS2 and SI1.
FL Flawless Extremely Rare
IF Internally Flawless Eye Clean
VVS1 Very Very Slightly Eye Clean
VVS2 Very Very Slightly Eye Clean
VS1 Very Slightly Eye Clean
VS2 Very Slightly Eye Clean
SI1 Slightly Included Usually Eye Clean
SI2 Slightly Included Check Each Stone
I1 Included Visible
I2 Included Clearly Visible
I3 Included Obvious
Grade by Grade
Every Clarity Grade Explained
A detailed breakdown of each grade — what a gemologist sees under magnification, whether it is visible to the naked eye, and when each grade makes sense for a buyer.
FL
Flawless
No Inclusions · No Blemishes · 10× Clean
The rarest diamond clarity grade. No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10× magnification by a skilled grader. Less than 1% of all diamonds achieve FL clarity — a naturally flawless crystal is extraordinarily uncommon after cutting and polishing. Flawless diamonds carry a significant rarity premium. To the naked eye in a ring, a Flawless diamond is indistinguishable from a VS2.
Heirloom · Investment · CollectorIF
Internally Flawless
No Inclusions · Minor Surface Blemishes Only
No inclusions visible under 10× magnification. Surface blemishes — minor polish marks or superficial scratches — may be present but are only visible under magnification to a trained grader. Internally Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and carry a premium close to Flawless. Eye-clean. The difference between FL and IF is invisible once the diamond is set in a ring.
Exceptional Purity · Strong Value Relative to FLVVS1
Very Very Slightly Included 1
Minute Inclusions · Extremely Difficult to See at 10×
Inclusions are so minute they are extremely difficult for even a skilled grader to see at 10× magnification. Pinpoints, needles, or faint internal graining may be present but require significant effort to locate even with a loupe. Completely eye-clean in all settings. VVS1 offers exceptional clarity at a lower cost than FL/IF — a sensible choice for buyers who want near-perfect purity without paying the rarest-grade premium.
Excellent Purity · Good Value vs FL/IFVVS2
Very Very Slightly Included 2
Minute Inclusions · Very Difficult to See at 10×
Slightly larger or more numerous inclusions than VVS1, but still extremely difficult to see under 10× magnification. The distinction between VVS1 and VVS2 is imperceptible to anyone without a loupe — both are completely eye-clean. VVS2 offers a small price saving over VVS1 for the same practical appearance. An excellent choice for buyers who want the reassurance of a very high clarity grade without paying for Flawless rarity.
Very High Purity · Practically Identical to VVS1VS1
Very Slightly Included 1
Minor Inclusions · Difficult to See at 10×
Inclusions are minor and difficult to see under 10× magnification even by a trained grader. Completely eye-clean. VS1 is the recommended minimum for step-cut diamonds (emerald, Asscher) where the open faceting makes inclusions more visible than in brilliant cuts. For round, oval, and other brilliant-cut shapes, VS1 represents outstanding quality with meaningful savings versus VVS grades.
Recommended for Step Cuts · Excellent All-RoundVS2
Very Slightly Included 2
Minor Inclusions · Somewhat Easy to See at 10×
Inclusions are minor but somewhat easier to see under 10× magnification. Still completely eye-clean for virtually all buyers in all settings. VS2 is the most popular clarity grade for engagement ring centre stones — it combines genuine purity with excellent value. The inclusions in VS2 are invisible in a mounted ring under normal viewing conditions and can only be found with a loupe by a trained grader.
Our Primary Recommendation · Best ValueSI1
Slightly Included 1
Noticeable Inclusions at 10× · Usually Eye-Clean
Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader at 10× magnification but are typically not visible to the naked eye in a brilliant-cut diamond. SI1 is the maximum flexibility point for savvy buyers — many SI1 diamonds are eye-clean and represent outstanding value. Always verify eye-cleanliness on the specific stone through high-resolution imagery or in person. Not recommended for emerald or Asscher cuts.
Best Value Choice · Verify Eye-Clean StatusSI2
Slightly Included 2
Clearly Noticeable at 10× · May Be Visible Unaided
Inclusions are clearly noticeable under 10× magnification and may — in some stones — be detectable to the naked eye, particularly in larger diamonds or under direct bright lighting. SI2 diamonds vary considerably within the grade: some are eye-clean; others show clearly visible inclusions. Each SI2 stone must be evaluated individually. Not recommended for step-cut shapes or diamonds above 1.50ct.
Verify Each Stone · Variable Eye-Clean StatusI1 – I3
Included
Inclusions Visible to the Naked Eye
Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and visible to the naked eye without any optical aid. I1 inclusions may affect transparency; I2 and I3 inclusions can affect brilliance and in severe cases structural integrity. Included diamonds are not used as centre stones in fine jewellery and are not carried by LuxeBrilliance. The inclusion visibility reduces both beauty and long-term durability of the stone.
Not Available at LuxeBrillianceInside the Diamond
Types of Inclusions & Blemishes
Understanding what types of inclusions exist — and how each one affects the diamond — helps you assess individual stones rather than relying solely on a grade letter.
Inclusion Type 01
Pinpoint
Most Common · Least Impactful
A tiny white or black crystal inclusion — often so small it appears as a single dot under magnification. Clusters of pinpoints are called "clouds." Individual pinpoints are the most commonly found inclusion and have the least impact on appearance or light performance. A VS2 or SI1 stone may contain several pinpoints without any visible effect to the naked eye.
Impact: Minimal. Pinpoints rarely affect eye-cleanliness even at SI1 grade.
Inclusion Type 02
Feather
Small Fracture · Location Matters
A small fracture within the diamond — called a "feather" for its wispy appearance under magnification. Most feathers are harmless and have no visible impact on appearance or durability. However, a large feather extending to the surface, or a feather positioned under the table in a step-cut diamond, warrants careful evaluation. Feathers near prongs can be a concern for setting security.
Impact: Varies by size and position. Check the clarity plot on the certificate for feather location.
Inclusion Type 03
Crystal
Mineral Deposit · Size Determines Grade
A mineral crystal trapped within the diamond during formation. Crystals can be colourless, white, or dark (black carbon). A small colourless crystal in the pavilion area is much less visible than a dark crystal under the table. The size, colour, and position of the crystal determines how significantly it affects the clarity grade and eye-cleanliness of the stone.
Impact: Depends on size, colour, and position. Dark crystals under the table are most visible.
Inclusion Type 04
Cloud
Cluster of Pinpoints · Can Affect Transparency
A cluster of tiny pinpoint inclusions too small to be distinguished individually under standard magnification. Small, faint clouds have minimal impact. However, large or dense clouds can affect transparency by scattering light, creating a slightly hazy appearance — this can significantly reduce brilliance even if the clarity grade is technically VS2 or SI1. Always check the grader's comments on the certificate for "cloud affects transparency."
Impact: Variable. Avoid any stone where the certificate notes the cloud affects clarity or transparency.
Inclusion Type 05
Needle
Thin Crystal · Usually Minor
A long, thin crystal inclusion that appears as a needle or rod under magnification. Needles are typically colourless and relatively low in visual impact compared to crystals or feathers. Their main consideration is orientation — a needle oriented parallel to the table facet can be more visible face-up than one oriented perpendicular to it. Needles are commonly found in VS2 and SI1 grade diamonds.
Impact: Usually minor. Orientation relative to the table determines visibility.
Inclusion Type 06
Twinning Wisp
Growth Irregularity · Complex Appearance
A series of inclusions — pinpoints, clouds, or feathers — arranged along a twinning plane, a point where two diamond crystals grew together during formation. Twinning wisps create a more complex, irregular inclusion pattern and can appear as a white or greyish streak under magnification. They are commonly associated with fancy-shaped diamonds and should be evaluated on the specific stone rather than by grade alone.
Impact: Varies. More common in fancy cuts. Evaluate each stone individually.
Blemish Type 01
Surface Graining
Growth Lines · Usually Minor
Irregular or wavy lines on the surface of the diamond caused by irregular crystal growth. Surface graining is a blemish rather than an inclusion — it exists on the surface rather than within the stone. Minor surface graining is typically only visible under magnification and has no practical impact on the appearance or brilliance of the diamond. It is most commonly noted on internally flawless (IF) diamonds where the grader can see the surface clearly.
Impact: Minimal. Surface graining rarely affects appearance in a mounted ring.
Blemish Type 02
Scratch & Nick
Surface Marks · Usually from Handling
Thin lines or tiny chips on the diamond's surface — typically occurring during the cutting, polishing, or handling process. Scratches and nicks are surface blemishes that rarely affect clarity grade significantly. They are more common on girdle edges of fancy-shaped stones. A minor nick on the girdle is not a concern; a large chip on the table or near a prong position warrants closer evaluation before purchase.
Impact: Minor scratches are negligible. A chip near a stress point warrants attention.
The Most Important Concept
What Eye-Clean Means
Eye-clean is the single most practical concept in diamond clarity buying. Understanding it allows you to choose the lowest grade that still looks perfect — without paying for magnified purity you will never use.
The Concept
Eye-Clean: No Inclusions Visible Without Magnification
A diamond is described as "eye-clean" when its inclusions cannot be seen by the naked eye — without a loupe, microscope, or any optical aid — when the stone is viewed face-up at a normal viewing distance of approximately 20–30cm.
An eye-clean SI1 diamond looks absolutely identical to a Flawless diamond when worn in a ring. The inclusions are real — they are on the grading certificate — but they are invisible in practice. The person wearing the ring cannot see them. Their partner cannot see them. No one looking at the ring on your hand can see them.
The clarity grade, therefore, becomes a measure of what a grader sees under magnification in controlled laboratory conditions — not a measure of beauty in everyday wear. This is why clarity is the most flexible of the 4Cs: you can trade down to a lower grade without any visual consequence, as long as you verify that the specific stone is eye-clean.
The rule: Find the lowest grade that is eye-clean for your specific stone. Everything above that grade is paying for laboratory purity you will never see or use.
By Grade
Which Grades Are Reliably Eye-Clean?
FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2: Always eye-clean. Every diamond in these grades is completely invisible to the naked eye — guaranteed. The only reason to choose these grades over VS is for rarity, investment, or personal standards rather than visible beauty.
VS1, VS2: Virtually always eye-clean. The inclusions in VS diamonds are very difficult to see even under magnification. In a mounted brilliant-cut ring, VS diamonds are always eye-clean. In step-cut shapes (emerald, Asscher), VS1 is the recommended minimum for guaranteed eye-cleanliness.
SI1: Usually eye-clean, but not guaranteed. Most SI1 brilliant-cut diamonds are eye-clean — but some are not. Each stone must be evaluated on its specific clarity plot, inclusion type, and position. A pinpoint-dominated SI1 with inclusions in the pavilion is typically eye-clean; a dark crystal under the table may not be.
SI2 and below: Variable. Some SI2 diamonds are eye-clean; many are not. Must be evaluated stone by stone. Not recommended without high-resolution video or in-person viewing.
Our standard: Every diamond we sell above SI2 is assessed for eye-cleanliness. We do not list SI1 stones without confirming their eye-clean status through detailed imagery and grader review.
Shape Matters
Recommended Clarity by Diamond Shape
Different diamond cuts have very different tolerance for inclusions. A clarity grade that is perfectly eye-clean in a round brilliant may be clearly visible in an emerald cut. Know your shape before choosing your grade.
Round Brilliant
Most Forgiving for Clarity
The round brilliant's 58 facets create maximum light scattering — inclusions are effectively hidden by the brilliance and fire returning from every angle. Round brilliants are the most forgiving shape for clarity. Eye-clean SI1 stones are entirely appropriate. The grade choice has minimal visual impact in this shape, making it the best opportunity to redirect budget to Cut or Carat.
Recommended minimum: SI1 (eye-clean verified) · VS2 for stones above 2.00ct
Oval & Pear
Brilliant-Cut · Good Forgiveness
Oval and pear shapes are brilliant cuts and share most of the light-scattering properties of round diamonds. Inclusions are well-hidden by the faceting pattern. SI1 is generally suitable for ovals and pears in sizes under 1.50ct. For larger stones, consider VS2 — inclusions can become slightly more visible as the face-up area increases. Watch for inclusions at the pointed tip of pears.
Recommended minimum: SI1 for up to 1.50ct · VS2 for 1.50ct and above
Cushion & Princess
Brilliant-Cut · Similar to Round
Cushion and princess cuts are brilliant-cut shapes with good inclusion tolerance, though slightly less forgiving than round brilliants due to their different facet arrangements. SI1 is generally suitable for cushion cuts; princess cuts can show inclusions near the pointed corners under certain conditions. VS2 gives comfortable headroom for both shapes at larger sizes.
Recommended minimum: SI1 (cushion) · VS2 (princess, especially at corners)
Emerald Cut
Step Cut · Most Demanding
The emerald cut is the most demanding shape for clarity. Its long, parallel step-cut facets and large, open table act like a window into the stone — there is very little brilliance to hide behind. Inclusions that would be invisible in a round brilliant are clearly visible in an emerald cut. VS1 is the recommended minimum grade for an emerald cut centre stone in any metal setting.
Recommended minimum: VS1 — do not go below VS2 in any setting for an emerald cut
Asscher Cut
Step Cut · High Clarity Visibility
Like the emerald cut, the Asscher's concentric square step facets create a "hall of mirrors" effect that makes inclusions more visible than in brilliant cuts. Its octagonal outline with deeply cropped corners means inclusions near the corners can be especially distracting. VS1 is strongly recommended. VVS2 or VS1 is ideal for the most beautiful representation of this classic cut.
Recommended minimum: VS1 · VVS2 recommended for the clearest, most beautiful appearance
Marquise
Brilliant-Cut · Watch the Points
The marquise is a brilliant cut and reasonably forgiving for clarity in the body of the stone. However, the two pointed tips are important zones: inclusions at the tips are more visible because they interrupt the even flow of faceting toward the point, and they can also be a structural weak point. Ensure the clarity plot shows no significant inclusions within 2–3mm of either tip.
Recommended minimum: VS2 · Check inclusion position at tips carefully
Side by Side
Clarity Grades Compared
A direct comparison of every grade across the properties that matter most for choosing your diamond clarity level.
| Grade | Category | Visible at 10×? | Eye-Clean? | Brilliant Cuts | Step Cuts | Price vs FL | LuxeBrilliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Flawless | No | ✓ Always | Perfect | Perfect | Benchmark | ✓ Available |
| IF | Internally Flawless | Surface only | ✓ Always | Perfect | Perfect | −10–15% | ✓ Available |
| VVS1 | Very Very Slightly Included | Extremely difficult | ✓ Always | Excellent | Excellent | −20–30% | ✓ Available |
| VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included | Very difficult | ✓ Always | Excellent | Excellent | −25–35% | ✓ Available |
| VS1 | Very Slightly Included | Difficult | ✓ Always | Excellent | Recommended min. | −35–45% Best Step Cut | ✓ Recommended |
| VS2 | Very Slightly Included | Somewhat easy | ✓ Always | Excellent | Good choice | −40–52% Most Popular | ✓ Recommended |
| SI1 | Slightly Included | Noticeable | Usually (verify) | Good value | Not recommended | −50–62% Best Value | ✓ Eye-clean verified |
| SI2 | Slightly Included | Clearly noticeable | Variable | Stone by stone | Avoid | −58–68% | Selected stones only |
| I1–I3 | Included | Obvious | ✗ Not eye-clean | Avoid | Avoid | −70%+ | ✗ Not carried |
Expert Guidance
What Our Gemologists Always Advise
Four practical principles about diamond clarity that consistently help our buyers make smarter decisions without compromising beauty.
01
Eye-Clean Beats Grade
A VS2 diamond with inclusions in an unfavourable position can look worse than an SI1 with inclusions hidden in the pavilion. Always assess whether the specific stone is eye-clean — not just the grade letter. Two diamonds with the same grade can look completely different depending on the nature and position of their inclusions. The clarity plot on the GIA certificate shows where each inclusion sits.
02
Clarity Is the Most Overpaid C
Most buyers pay for VVS or VS clarity when an eye-clean SI1 would look identical in their ring. The rarity of FL and VVS clarity commands a real price premium — but that premium pays for what a grader sees under a loupe, not what you see on your hand. Redirecting clarity budget to Cut or Carat produces a more beautiful diamond for the same spend.
03
Check the Clarity Plot
Every GIA grading report includes a clarity plot — a diagram of the diamond's facets with inclusion positions marked in red (inclusions) and green (blemishes). Use the plot to check whether inclusions are under the table (most visible), near the girdle (less visible), or in the pavilion (least visible from above). Inclusions in the pavilion of a brilliant-cut diamond are significantly harder to see face-up than the same inclusion size under the table.
04
Lab-Grown Offers Higher Clarity
Lab-grown diamonds tend to have higher clarity grades on average because the controlled growth environment minimises random inclusion formation. Most lab-grown diamonds are VS2 or above, with many reaching VVS grades. This means the clarity trade-off question is less pressing for lab-grown buyers — the natural ceiling tends to be higher, and the price differential between grades is proportionally smaller. Prioritise Cut and Colour, then enjoy the naturally higher clarity that lab-grown typically offers.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
The clarity questions our team receives most often — answered clearly.
Inclusions are internal characteristics — features that exist within the body of the diamond. They were formed during the diamond's growth process and include crystals, feathers, clouds, needles, and pinpoints. Blemishes are surface characteristics — features that exist on the outside of the diamond, such as scratches, nicks, or polish marks. Most of what affects a diamond's clarity grade are inclusions rather than blemishes. The GIA grades both, but internal inclusions are typically the determining factor in most clarity grades.
VS2 is an excellent choice for engagement ring centre stones across all brilliant-cut shapes. It is the most popular clarity grade for centre stones and provides a completely eye-clean appearance — the inclusions cannot be seen without magnification in a mounted ring. For step-cut shapes like emerald and Asscher, we recommend VS1 as the minimum, as these shapes show inclusions more readily. For all other shapes, VS2 provides outstanding clarity with meaningful savings versus VVS grades.
No — you cannot see the difference between VS2 and FL with the naked eye in a mounted ring under normal viewing conditions. Both appear completely clean and brilliant. The inclusions in a VS2 diamond are tiny, can only be found by a trained grader with a 10× loupe, and have no visible effect on the diamond's appearance or light performance. The difference is purely in what a gemologist sees under magnification — not in what you or any observer sees in real life. The FL premium pays for laboratory-certified rarity, not visible beauty.
Step-cut diamonds — emerald cuts, Asscher cuts, and baguettes — have a fundamentally different facet structure from brilliant cuts. Instead of many small triangular and kite-shaped facets that scatter and reflect light in multiple directions, step cuts have long, parallel rectangular facets that produce a "hall of mirrors" effect. This open, reflective quality makes the interior of the diamond much more visible — both its beauty and its inclusions. An inclusion that a brilliant cut's faceting would hide becomes clearly visible through the open windows of a step cut. VS1 is the minimum we recommend for step cuts.
In most cases, no — clarity grades from FL down to SI1 do not meaningfully affect brilliance or light performance. The inclusions in VS and SI1 diamonds are small enough that they do not significantly interfere with light passing through the stone. The exception is diamonds with heavy clouds — a dense cluster of pinpoint inclusions that, in some cases, creates a milky or hazy appearance. Always check the grader's comments on the certificate: if it notes "cloud affects clarity" or similar, the stone's transparency may be compromised. This is why checking the specific stone matters more than the grade alone.
Keep Reading
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Continue building your diamond knowledge with these guides from the LuxeBrilliance education library.
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Complete Guide
The LuxeBrilliance Ring Guide
All four Cs, shapes, settings, metals, and budget in one complete engagement ring buying guide.
Read GuideReady to Find
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Browse our collection of certified diamonds across all clarity grades — or speak with our team for personal guidance on finding the right stone.
