Everything you need to know about the diamond clarity scale from Flawless perfection to Included grades with expert advice on which clarity grade offers the best value.
Table of Contents
What Is Diamond Clarity?
The Complete Clarity Chart (FL to I3)
Every Clarity Grade Explained
Which Clarity Grade Is Best Value?
Clarity vs. Color — What Matters More?
Clarity in Lab Grown Diamonds
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of internal inclusions and external blemishes in a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the globally accepted diamond clarity scale, which grades diamonds from Flawless (FL) — completely free of inclusions under 10x magnification — down to Included (I3), where flaws are visible to the naked eye. Inclusions are natural characteristics formed during a diamond's growth process deep within the Earth. They can be tiny crystals, feathers, clouds, or pinpoints. Clarity grade directly impacts a diamond's beauty, brilliance, and price. Understanding the diamond clarity chart helps you make a smart purchase decision.
Pro Tip : Most buyers cannot distinguish between VS1 and SI1 clarity with the naked eye. Understanding the chart helps you save thousands without sacrificing visible beauty.
The Complete Diamond Clarity Chart (FL to I3)
The GIA diamond clarity grading scale has 11 grades grouped into 6 categories. Here is the complete visual chart
Every Clarity Grade Explained — Full Diamond Clarity Chart
FL (Flawless)
-
No inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification
-
Extremely rare — less than 1% of all diamonds
-
Naked Eye: Clean
-
Value Rating: Collector / Museum grade
IF (Internally Flawless)
-
No internal inclusions
-
Tiny surface blemishes only
-
Extremely rare and premium-priced
-
Naked Eye: Clean
-
Value Rating: Investment grade
VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included)
-
Minute inclusions extremely difficult to see even for trained graders under 10x
-
Always eye-clean
-
Naked Eye: Eye-clean
-
Value Rating: Excellent — high luxury
VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)
-
Similar to VVS1 but inclusions slightly easier to locate under magnification
-
Always eye-clean
-
Naked Eye: Eye-clean
-
Value Rating: Excellent
VS1 (Very Slightly Included)
-
Minor inclusions like small crystals or clouds
-
Difficult to see even under 10x magnification
-
Always eye-clean
-
Naked Eye: Eye-clean
-
Value Rating: Best Value (Premium)
VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
-
Similar to VS1 with slightly larger or more inclusions
-
Still eye-clean in most cases
-
Naked Eye: Eye-clean
-
Value Rating: Best Value
SI1 (Slightly Included)
-
Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification
-
Usually invisible to naked eye in brilliant-cut diamonds
-
Naked Eye: Usually clean
-
Value Rating: Good Value (Budget pick)
SI2 (Slightly Included)
-
Inclusions may be visible to the naked eye
-
Recommended to inspect actual stone or video before purchase
-
Naked Eye: Sometimes visible
-
Value Rating: Budget — inspect carefully
I1 (Included)
-
Obvious inclusions under magnification
-
Often visible to naked eye
-
Can affect brilliance
-
Naked Eye: Visible
-
Value Rating: Not recommended
I2 (Included)
-
Easily visible inclusions
-
Noticeably reduces transparency and brilliance
-
Naked Eye: Clearly visible
-
Value Rating: Avoid for jewelry
I3 (Included)
-
Extremely visible inclusions
-
May affect structural integrity of diamond
-
Suitable only for very tight budgets
-
Naked Eye: Very visible
-
Value Rating: Avoid
Which Clarity Grade Gives the Best Value?
The sweet spot on the diamond clarity chart for most buyers is VS1 or VS2. These grades are always eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the naked eye), yet they are priced significantly lower than FL or VVS diamonds. For buyers on a tighter budget, SI1 in a round brilliant cut is often a smart choice — the cut style hides inclusions well. Always request a high-resolution video or loupe inspection before purchasing SI1 or lower.
Expert Recommendation Best clarity for engagement rings: VS2 — eye-clean beauty at a fair price. Best clarity for budget buyers: SI1 (round cut only) — great value when chosen carefully.
Clarity vs. Color — What Matters More?
Both clarity and color impact a diamond's appearance, but color is often more visible to the naked eye than clarity. A D-color diamond with VS2 clarity looks more brilliant than an F-color diamond with VVS1 clarity in most viewing conditions. That said, the right balance depends on the metal setting, diamond shape, and your personal priority. To understand how color grades interact with clarity grades in detail, read our complete guide on the diamond color and clarity chart — how to choose the best combination.
Clarity in Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are graded on the exact same clarity scale as natural diamonds from FL to I3. Because their growth is controlled in a laboratory environment, lab grown diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions on average, which means you often get higher clarity grades at significantly lower prices. For a detailed breakdown of how the clarity scale applies to lab diamonds, check our dedicated guide on the lab grown diamond clarity chart and grading guide.
lab grown diamond clarity chart and grading guide.
Important Not all labs grade diamonds the same way. GIA and IGI are the most trusted grading laboratories for both natural and lab grown diamonds. Always buy a diamond with a certificate from a reputable lab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clarity for a diamond?
For most buyers, VS1 or VS2 is the best clarity grade. These diamonds are eye-clean you cannot see any inclusions with the naked eye yet they cost significantly less than Flawless or VVS diamonds. Unless you are buying as a collector or investment, VS2 offers the ideal balance of beauty and value.
What does FL mean on a diamond clarity chart?
FL stands for Flawless — the highest clarity grade on the GIA scale. A Flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes when viewed under 10x magnification by a skilled grader. Fewer than 1% of all diamonds qualify as Flawless, making them extremely rare and expensive.
Is SI1 clarity good enough for an engagement ring?
SI1 clarity can be a good choice for engagement rings, especially in round brilliant cut diamonds, because the faceting pattern hides inclusions well. However, always view the specific stone before buying — some SI1 diamonds are eye-clean while others have visible inclusions. For peace of mind, VS2 is a safer recommendation.
How does the clarity chart differ for lab grown diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are graded using the exact same FL to I3 clarity scale as natural diamonds. However, because lab conditions can be controlled, many lab grown diamonds tend to achieve higher clarity grades. Read more in our lab grown diamond clarity chart guide
Can I see the difference between VS1 and VVS2 with my eyes?
No — in virtually all cases, VS1 and VVS2 diamonds look identical to the naked eye. The difference is only visible under 10x magnification. Buying VVS2 over VS1 is purely a premium for technical perfection, not visible beauty, which is why many experts consider VS1 the best value clarity grade.
