How clear a diamond is will influence its price and desirability.
Learn more about clarity and how it will influence your purchase
decision.

Clarity Explained

Loose diamonds that are completely clear are the most sought-after
and the highest-priced. Surface irregularities and inclusions are the
factors that determine a diamond’s clarity. Many diamonds have
inclusions, such as trace minerals, scratches, and other tiny flaws
that may detract from the beauty of the stone. The Gemological
Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL)
use an extensive system of standards and rules to describe the
location, number, size, and type of inclusions a diamond has. Below you
will find a table summarizing the standards for assessing the clarity
of diamonds.

• FL Diamonds, IF Diamonds
  
  Flawless, internally flawless. No flaws internally or externally. Extremely rare and beautiful diamonds.
   


• VVS1 Diamonds, VVS2 Diamonds
  
  Very, very slightly included. Very hard to see inclusions under 10X magnification. Diamonds of excellent quality.
   


• VS1 Diamonds, VS2 Diamonds
  
  Very slightly included. Inclusions usually not visible to the naked eye. Cheaper than VVS1 or VVS2 grade loose diamonds.
   


• SI1 Diamonds, SI2 Diamonds
  
  Slightly included. Inclusions visible under 10X magnification and might be visible with the naked eye. Good value.
   


• I1, I2 & I3 Diamonds
  Included.
  Inclusions (maybe large feathers or large included crystals) obvious
  under 10X magnification. May affect transparency and brilliance.

The Best Clarity Grade

Experts typically recommend that you select loose diamonds that are
"eye clean," meaning they have no inclusions that are visible to the
naked eye. These diamonds are an excellent value and are much cheaper
than FL, IF-grade diamonds. They will not contain visible inclusions
that will detract from the brilliance or beauty of the stone.