A Diamond Clarity Chart–What You Need to Know

When shopping for a diamond, understanding its quality is essential to making an informed purchase. Among the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), clarity often sparks questions about what matters in a diamond’s appearance. Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of internal flaws known as inclusions and external imperfections called blemishes. These internal characteristics impact the diamond's appearance, and ultimately its value.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned gemstone enthusiast, learning how to interpret a clarity chart can help you make an informed choice and ensure you find a diamond that dazzles.

What is the Origin of a Diamond Clarity Chart?

The diamond clarity chart was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1950s. This powerful grading scale grades diamonds based on their internal and external imperfections. GIA diamonds certify the clarity of their diamonds. The clarity grading scale is now an international standard used universally for identifying and categorizing inclusions and blemishes of diamonds. 

Diamond clarity grades helped enable fairer pricing based on transparent and consistent grading criteria. Clarity, along with cut, color, and carat weight, is a key factor in determining a diamond’s price. Gemologists, jewelers, and diamond retailers worldwide use the GIA clarity grading system. The use of the diamond clarity chart can help consumers to better understand the factors impacting a diamond’s quality and value when buying diamonds

Taking a Closer Look at the Diamond Clarity Chart

Let’s examine the different levels of clarity characteristics from the diamond clarity scale.

American Gem Society Scale

Flawless (FL)

Flawless diamonds are completely free of internal inclusions and external blemishes under 10x magnification and therefore have a higher clarity grade. They appear perfectly clear with no visible imperfections, even under a jeweler’s loupe. The accessibility of a flawless diamond is rare and is among the most expensive.

Internally Flawless (IF)

These diamonds have no internal inclusions, but may have very minor surface blemishes, such as tiny polishing marks. To the naked eye, they appear flawless. Under 10x magnification, a trained gemologist may detect minute surface irregularities. These types of diamonds are very rare, but less so than flawless diamonds. Shown is an emerald cut diamond with IF clarity, D color.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

These flaws are invisible to the unaided eye and require high magnification to detect. The diamond inclusions appear as tiny pinpoint spots, small clouds, or minuscule internal feathers. VVS diamonds are very rare and of high value.

VVS1 diamonds have minor inclusions so small that they are extremely difficult for even a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. The center gemstone of this engagement ring is clarity VVS1, color I, with side gemstones VS2, color H/I.

VVS2 inclusions are slightly easier to spot than in VVS1 but remain very challenging to identify. Featured is a diamond engagement ring with VVS2 clarity, color E.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

Inclusions on VS diamonds look like small crystals, clouds, or feathers. They generally look clean to the naked eye and need to be inspected closely to see them. This clarity rating is popular for engagement rings.

VS1 diamond inclusions are minor and difficult to detect under 10x magnification. Shown is an emerald cut diamond with clarity VS1, color E.

VS2 diamonds have inclusions that are somewhat more noticeable than VS1, but still require magnification to see clearly. Featured is a genuine diamond with a round brilliant cut (center stone) with clarity VS2, color H, and a pear cut lab grown diamond with clarity VS2, color H.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Inclusions on SI1 and SI2 diamonds may be visible in larger diamonds, but they generally maintain good overall brilliance. These inclusions appear as small feathers, crystals, or clouds. They are widely available and popular for budget conscious buyers.

SI1 diamonds have noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification, but may not be visible to the unaided eye. Shown is a brilliant cut engagement ring with clarity SI1, color D and sidestones clarity SI1, color G, and a diamond tennis necklace with SI1 clarity, color G/H.

SI2 inclusions are more apparent under 10x magnification and may occasionally be seen with the naked eye. Below, a marquise cut engagement ring with SI2 clarity, color K, and round brilliant cut diamond stud earrings with SI2 clarity, color F.

Included (I1, I2, I3)

Included diamonds have a lower clarity rating. Their visible inclusions detract from the diamond's overall appearance and beauty. The types of inclusions they have are large feathers, prominent crystals, or clouds. They are the most common and affordable clarity grade.

In I1 diamonds, the inclusions are noticeable to the naked eye and may affect the diamond’s brilliance slightly.This oval gemstone is clarity I1, color F.

I2 diamond inclusions are more significant and often impact the diamond’s brilliance and transparency. The diamond necklace is I2 clarity, color I and the engagement ring is clarity I2, color I.

I3 inclusions are highly visible and can significantly reduce brilliance. This clarity of a diamond may pose durability concerns with nicks to your gemstone. The stud earrings below are clarity I3, color I.

Clarity Chart Recap

FL and IF are best for collectors or for those seeking perfection, though the difference may not be visible to the open eye.

VVS1 and VVS2 are ideal for high-end diamonds. Their inclusions are negligible. 

VS1 and VS2 are a great balance of quality and value. Their inclusions are hard to detect.

SI1 and SI2 are budget friendly and still beautiful with minor imperfections.

I1, I2, and I3 diamonds are affordable but may compromise brilliance and durability. 

Clarity and the 4Cs

Clarity is important, but it’s not usually the most important factor for most buyers. Many inclusions and blemishes are invisible to the naked eye, especially in diamonds with grading reports of VS1, VS2, or even SI1. Most people prioritize cut and carat weight when looking to buy their next diamond, as these factors more directly affect the diamond's overall appearance. 

Diamond cut is often considered the most important of the 4Cs because the cut determines how well a diamond reflects light which influences its brilliance, fire and sparkle. A poorly cut diamond may look dull even with excellent clarity and color.

Carat weight–larger diamonds are often seen as more valuable and impressive, but size doesn’t guarantee beauty. A poorly cut diamond will appear less brilliant, even if it’s large.

A diamond color grading scale reflects how colorless the diamond appears. Higher grades like D-F are prized for their icy-white appearance, but many diamonds in the G-I range appear nearly colorless to most people. Color is more noticeable in larger diamonds and certain shapes. 

Clarity affects the visibility of inclusions and blemishes. Many diamonds with small inclusions (VS of S1 grades) appear flawless to the naked eye. Higher clarity grades (FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2) are more about rarity than visual appeal.

Balancing Clarity with the Other 4Cs

Small Diamonds under one carat will have less noticeable inclusions, so you can prioritize cut and carat weight over clarity. 

Large Diamonds over 2 carats will have more visible inclusions which makes clarity slightly more important.

Fancy Diamond Shapes like emerald, asscher, or baguette cuts have larger, open facets that make inclusions more noticeable. For these shapes, higher clarity grades may be well worth it.

Brilliant Cut shapes like the round, princess, marquise, and cushion mask inclusions better, so clarity can be a lower priority. 

For most people, cut should be prioritized first to ensure brilliance and sparkle for your diamond. Choose a clarity rating that looks “eye-clean” like a VS1, VS2, (or SI1 for smaller diamonds).

Conclusion

Clarity charts are helpful for the average person, particularly for those who want to make informed purchasing decisions and understand what they're paying for. Clarity charts can help consumers align their preferences with their budget and are a helpful tool whether buying a new diamond or selling diamonds.

Diamond clarity charts are an indispensable tool for professionals as they offer a clear framework for understanding an important aspect of a diamond’s quality. The grading process helps to both demystify and highlight the differences between clarity levels. 

While clarity is just one of the 4Cs, knowing how to evaluate it ensures that you select a diamond that not only meets your aesthetic standards, but also maximizes its value. Whether you are seeking perfection or simply an eye-clean gemstone, a clarity chart provides knowledge to help your decision.

The Estate Watch and Jewelry Company is the jewelry store you want to shop for your diamond jewelry. We are an established business with a great reputation. We have a large selection of rings, earrings, and necklaces, etc. to meet your needs. We can also help you create your own custom designed jewelry if you desire a special unique piece. Our jewelers have the knowledge and expertise you desire. Let us help you find your next piece of diamond jewelry that you will love and cherish.