Diamond Clarity Explained: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Choose the Right Grade

Diamond Clarity Explained: When buying a diamond, clarity is one of the most misunderstood factors. Many people assume higher clarity always means a better diamond, but that’s not always true. Understanding diamond clarity can help you make a smarter purchase, avoid overpaying, and choose a stone that looks flawless to the naked eye.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about diamond clarity, how it’s graded, what affects it, and how to choose the best clarity for your budget.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections in a diamond. These are known as:

• Inclusions (internal flaws)

• Blemishes (surface flaws)

Almost all diamonds have some imperfections. Clarity grading measures how visible these imperfections are under magnification and how much they affect the diamond’s appearance.

Why Diamond Clarity Matters

Clarity affects:

• Appearance: Visible flaws can reduce brilliance

• Value: Higher clarity diamonds are rarer and more expensive

However, most clarity differences are not visible to the naked eye, which is why understanding this factor can save you money.

The Diamond Clarity Scale (IGI Standard)

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has an industry standard clarity grading scale:

1. Flawless (FL)

• No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification

• Extremely rare and expensive

2. Internally Flawless (IF)

• No internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes

• Nearly perfect

3. Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)

• Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect, even under magnification

• Excellent quality

4. Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)

• Minor inclusions visible under magnification but not to the naked eye

• Best balance of quality and value

5. Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)

• Inclusions visible under magnification and sometimes to the naked eye

• Good budget option if carefully chosen

6. Included (I1, I2, I3)

• Obvious inclusions that may affect appearance and durability

• Lower cost but lower quality

What Causes Inclusions in Diamonds?

Inclusions form naturally during a diamond’s creation under extreme heat and pressure.

Common types include:

• Clouds – clusters of tiny inclusions

• Feathers – small internal cracks

• Crystals – tiny mineral deposits

• Pinpoints – very small dots

Each diamond is unique, making its clarity characteristics part of its “fingerprint.”

Eye Clean Diamonds: The Smart Buyer’s Secret

An eye clean diamond has no visible inclusions when viewed without magnification.

Key Insight:

You don’t need a flawless diamond for it to look perfect.

Most buyers choose:

• VS1 or VS2 clarity for excellent appearance

This is where you get the best value for money.

How Clarity Affects Price

Clarity can significantly impact cost:

• FL and IF diamonds can cost 2–3x more than VS diamonds

• VS clarity offers a high-end look without the premium price

How to Choose the Right Diamond Clarity

1. Set Your Budget

Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall.

2. Prioritise What Matters

Many buyers prioritise:

• Cut (important for sparkle)

• Carat (size)

• Then clarity

3. Aim for Eye-Clean

Look for:

• VS1 / VS2 (safe choice)

• SI1 (only if visually clean)

4. Check the Inclusion Location

• Inclusions near the edges are less visible

• Avoid inclusions in the centre of the diamond

Clarity vs Other Diamond Factors

Clarity is just one of the “4 Cs”:

• Cut: affects sparkle (most important)

• Colour: affects whiteness

• Carat: affects size

• Clarity: affects purity

A slightly lower clarity with excellent cut will often look better than a flawless diamond with poor cut.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpaying for flawless clarity you can’t see

• Ignoring cut quality

• Buying SI diamonds without checking visibility

• Assuming all inclusions are bad (many are harmless)

Diamond Clarity FAQ

What is the best diamond clarity?

The best clarity depends on your budget, but VS1 or VS2 offers the best balance of quality and value for most buyers.

Can you see inclusions with the naked eye?

Usually no. Most inclusions in VS and above are invisible without magnification.

Is flawless worth it?

Not for most people. The difference is not visible without magnification, so you’re paying for rarity, not appearance.

Does clarity affect sparkle?

Only in lower grades SI and below. In most diamonds, sparkle is mainly determined by the cut, not clarity.

What clarity should I avoid?

Generally avoid I1–I3, as inclusions are often visible and may affect durability.

Diamond Clarity Explained: Conclusion

Diamond clarity is important, but it’s often over emphasised. The key is understanding that you don’t need perfection to get a beautiful diamond.

For most buyers:

• Choose VS1 or VS2 for peace of mind

• Focus more on cut quality for maximum brilliance

By understanding clarity properly, you can make a confident, informed purchase, and get the best diamond for your budget.

Read Next: Diamond Grading Guide: Understanding Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat