Diamond Clarity Explained
Clarity grades the tiny natural marks inside a diamond. Here's the scale, and the grades that look flawless to the eye without the flawless price.
Quick answer
Clarity describes how free a diamond is of inclusions (internal marks) and blemishes (surface marks), graded from Flawless (FL) down to Included (I3). Most inclusions are invisible without magnification, so the sweet spot for value is an eye-clean stone — usually VS1-SI1 — that looks perfect to the naked eye.
The clarity scale
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FL / IF | Flawless / Internally Flawless — no inclusions visible at 10x. |
| VVS1-VVS2 | Very, very slightly included — extremely hard to see even at 10x. |
| VS1-VS2 | Very slightly included — minor inclusions, not visible to the eye. |
| SI1-SI2 | Slightly included — visible at 10x, often still eye-clean. |
| I1-I3 | Included — inclusions visible to the naked eye. |
What 'eye-clean' means
Eye-clean means no inclusions are visible to a normal eye at a normal viewing distance. You don't need a flawless diamond to get a flawless look — many VS and SI1 stones are eye-clean and cost far less than VVS or IF. Where the inclusion sits matters too: a mark near the edge is easier to hide under a setting than one under the table (the flat top facet).
How clarity balances with the other Cs
Clarity rarely deserves top priority. For most people, putting budget into cut first, then choosing an eye-clean clarity, gives a brighter, more beautiful diamond than paying for a grade no one can see. We'll always steer you toward the balance that looks best in the metal, whether you choose lab-grown or natural.
Choosing a clarity grade
Because every diamond is hand-selected for your ring, we check each stone is eye-clean in person before it's set. Message our team on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What clarity grade should I choose?
For most diamonds, an eye-clean VS1 to SI1 gives a flawless look to the naked eye at a much better price than VVS or Flawless. Larger diamonds may benefit from VS grades.
Are inclusions a flaw?
They're natural identifying features formed as the diamond grew. Unless they're visible to the eye or affect durability, they don't change how beautiful the diamond looks.
Do lab-grown diamonds have inclusions?
Yes — lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale and have their own inclusions. They are independently graded by IGI, just as natural diamonds are graded by GIA or HRD.
Can you help me pick?
Absolutely. We select each diamond to your budget and check it's eye-clean before setting, so you get the best-looking stone for the money.