Diamond clarity is one of the factors we use to determine a diamond’s quality. Understanding how clarity impacts a diamond’s price and appearance is essential when purchasing a diamond ring.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about diamond clarity and which clarity gradings offer the best appearance at the most affordable price.
Individual Diamond Clarity Guides
FL | IF | VVS1 | VVS2 | VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | SI3
- Diamond Clarity Scale
- What Causes Blemishes in Diamonds?
- Types of Inclusions (Definitive List)
- The Scale of Diamond Clarity
- Which Clarity to Buy?
- Talk to a Diamond Expert
Diamond Clarity Scale
Clarity measures the extent to which a diamond contains internal (inclusions) or surface (blemishes) flaws. Each inclusion or blemish detracts from the brilliance and clarity of a polished diamond. The flaw interferes with the refraction of light as it travels through the diamond.
Here are two simple diamond clarity charts to help you understand how diamond clarity and diamond inclusions work.
The first chart shows the diamonds in their order (ranging from SI2 – F Clarity) as they are without circling the issues. The second chart shows the visible dominant inclusions on the diamond that would be plotted on a certificate.
Now, take a look at the second chart. We’ve circled the visible inclusions. Note that the IF Clarity and F Clarity don’t have any visible inclusions.
What Causes Inclusions and Blemishes in Diamonds?
According to modern-day estimates, diamonds will take an exhaustive time to form. Despite their unique structure and composition, the stones inevitably acquire flaws and imperfections along the way. These imperfections are called “inclusions”.
The diamond cutter will work hard to work around these flaws. A long process, usually complicated by fault lines, dictates where the cut will be made.
Flawless diamonds become extremely rare once diamond sizes get above 2 carats. Most rough stones large enough from which to produce larger diamonds are rarely free of inclusions.
How to Find Inclusions?
Diamonds are graded using a 10x Loupe, a special magnifying lens used by jewelers and other industries to get a close-up view of things that might not be seen with the naked eye.
Blemishes, being surface issues, are usually easier to see than inclusions and occasionally may be located using the naked eye. Inclusions, on the other hand, can’t. If a very large inclusion can be seen without a loupe, the diamond is of poor quality. Poor-quality diamonds will usually be used for industrial cutting types of equipment.
One exception is with black diamonds. Black diamonds aren’t actually black. They are so included that light cannot escape, giving the appearance of the diamond being black. Black diamonds, while rare, are not generally sought after. They aren’t usually used unless explicitly specified for a type of jewelry design.
If inclusions or blemishes cannot be avoided in the finished stone, the stone will have been polished utilizing a special method. Usually, the cutter will try to position the inclusion as close to the girdle as possible. Inclusions beside the girdle are harder to see and have less effect on the brilliance of the diamond.
Types of Inclusions and Blemishes
Diamond flaws can occur in several different forms. Some are internal and are classed as inclusions, while others are surface faults, often man-made, known as blemishes.
Fully understanding inclusions is beyond the scope of this article, but in this section, we will try to familiarize you with the basic inclusions and how to identify them.
The graph below depicts the GIA list of symbols for each type of diamond inclusion. When purchasing a GIA-certified diamond, the accompanying certificate will typically graph which inclusions are in the diamond and where they sit on the stone.
Needle Inclusion | Crystal Inclusion | Cloud Inclusion | Pinpoint Inclusion | Twinning Wisp Inclusion | Knot Inclusion | Feather Inclusion | Surface Graining
Crystal Inclusion
The crystal inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red circle.
These inclusions are undoubtedly the most famous type of inclusion and usually the most easily noticeable.
A crystal is a mineral crystal contained inside a diamond. The larger the crystal (and the more centrally placed it is), the lower the grading.
The color of the crystal will also play a factor in the GIA certification. White crystals are considered less desirable than black crystals (some say because the white crystals can also play around with less light coming in and out).
Pinpoint Inclusion
The pinpoint inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red dot.
When a minute crystal becomes trapped within the diamond as it forms, it creates a pinpoint inclusion. In order to qualify as a pinpoint inclusion, it has to be non-visible to the naked eye (without the assistance of a loupe).
Even when examined with a 10x loupe, a pinpoint inclusion should look no larger than a tiny dot. Needles are similar to pinpoints but are thought to have been stretched as the diamond crystal grows in size. In isolation, pinpoints and needles don’t usually detract from the overall appearance of the diamond.
Needle Inclusion
The needle Inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red line.
A needle inclusion is a thin and long crystal inclusion that extends vertically or horizontally. Like a pinpoint, it has to be invisible to the naked eye (without the assistance of a loupe).
If the needle inclusion is visible to the naked eye, it is considered a crystal inclusion and not a needle inclusion.
Under a 10x loupe, the needle inclusion looks like a small stick, usually straight but sometimes a little curved as well.
Cloud Inclusion
The cloud Inclusion Plotting Symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red dotted circle.
A cloud inclusion is a tightly grouped collection of pinpoint or tiny needle inclusions that together create a hazy-like cloud within the diamond. If sufficient in number within a small location, a cloud can actually cause the loss of sparkle in the diamond. Cloud inclusions are amongst the most common of all inclusion types.
Tiny clouds on the side of the diamond can still qualify it to stay within the VS Clarity range. Still, if the cloud is bigger or closer to the center, the diamond will usually be within the SI Clarity range or lower.
Twinning Wisp Inclusion
The twinning wisp inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red curved line with short perpendicular lines just before each end.
Wisps are caused by pauses in the crystal growth. Occasionally, a diamond crystal will stop growing due to changes in external conditions. Eventually, things will change again, and the diamond will continue growing. This causes streaking or cloudiness around the stop/start point, which is actually a collection of various types of inclusions (pinpoints, feathers, crystals, and needles combined).
A twinning wisp inclusion almost always means that the diamond has at least an SI Clarity or lower.
Knot Inclusion
The knot inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red circle surrounded by a green circle.
The knot is one of the worst inclusions to have on a diamond. It is a rogue crystal that extends partially (or fully) to a surface. Aside from the fact that a knot inclusion is almost always easily eye-visible, it also presents a critical weakness to the strength of the diamond. Similar to a pinpoint flaw, knots are when the rogue crystal is at the surface of the polished diamond and cannot be eliminated.
Feather Inclusion
The feather inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a red squiggly line.
A feather is a crack within the diamond crystal. The shape of this inclusion literally looks like a father, hence its name. Depending on the location, they can seriously affect the durability of the stone and are a weak spot within the diamond. Feather inclusions are commonly responsible for chips in polished diamonds. They usually resemble a feather, hence their name.
If the feather breaks to the surface, the feather-like inclusion will now be called a cavity.
Small (non-serious) feathers can still qualify as a VS Clarity diamond, but large feathers will almost always automatically make a diamond clarity qualify as SI Clarity or lower.
Surface Graining
The surface graining inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be green broken lines.
Ideally, diamond crystals grow at a fairly constant rate, which gives rough stones the best clarity. Graining occurs when the growth rate is irregular. Sudden spurts or slowing of the growing process cause extra stresses in the crystal, which manifests itself in streaking within the diamond.
Because graining is caused by crystal irregularities, the manifestation in the diamond varies greatly from stone to stone.
Indented Natural
The indented natural inclusion plotting symbol on the certificate report plot will be a green angle marker under a red angle marker.
Occasionally, a diamond crystal will contain natural indents. Most can be removed with careful cutting and polishing, but some remain. They are usually around the girdle, thereby limiting the detrimental effect on the cut diamond. This inclusion will follow the original pattern of the raw diamond.
Blemishes
Polish Marks
The vast majority of diamond surface blemishes are the result of poor polishing. These are commonly caused by inconsistent pressure when polishing or using too much heat. The result is a dulled appearance on one or more facets.
Bearded Girdle
Bearding occurs around the girdle of a diamond if the bruting or cutting part of the process is not of sufficient quality. It produces hair-like wisps on the edges of the girdle, hence the name.
Lizard Skin
Another result of insufficient polishing skills is lizard skin. This blemish has a rippled effect on the surface of the polished diamond, and it appears like lizard skin, hence the name.
Abrasion
Abrasion is minute nicks along facet edges. It gives the edges a dull, often fuzzy appearance.
Why Some Inclusions Are Better Than Others
Ideally, all diamonds would be flawless, but that is not the case. Far from it, in fact. Almost all diamonds have some flaw or another, whether an inclusion or surface blemish. As polishing techniques have improved, we now see fewer blemishes due to the manufacturing process. Some natural surface flaws do occur, but skilled polishers can usually avoid them. Internal flaws, though, occur in almost all diamonds.
If you had to choose a diamond flaw to have, pinpoint is about the “best.” Single pinpoints don’t generally affect the clarity of the diamond significantly. They are certainly not visible without 10x magnification. As a result, diamonds with only one or two pinpoint inclusions and no others are very expensive and rare.
Cloud inclusions are actually very common. Because of this, many diamonds have cloud flaws. Most are fairly minor issues, however, and will not be obvious. The rest will depend entirely on location and size. During the grading process, diamonds are viewed from the crown down. If flaws are not visible from this angle, they will often not affect the grade too much.
Diamond Clarity Grades
The clarity of a diamond can make a big difference in its value. Generally, the higher the grade, the rarer the diamond. This is especially true with diamonds over 2ct in size. We use a scale from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to differentiate between the various levels of clarity. They range from Flawless to Included, with six primary grades. Some grades have different levels, meaning we have eleven grades in all.
Flawless (FL)
As the name suggests, a flawless diamond has no internal or surface flaws under 10x magnification. Such diamonds are so rare that few dealers have them available to buy. Many only appear for sale at specialist auction houses. Read more in our FL clarity diamond guide.
Internally Flawless (IF)
Only surface blemishes are present in IF diamonds. Again, these are only visible under 10x magnification.
IF clarity diamonds are usually the best grade available through general retailers but are not commonly seen.
Very Very Slightly Included (VVS)
VVS has two sub-grades – VVS1 and VVS2. Inclusions in VVS diamonds are difficult for even a skilled grader to see under magnification. Although still quite rare, VVS diamonds are much more readily available than IF diamonds.
Here are some examples of rings with VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds in the center.
Very Slightly Included (VS)
Inclusions in VS diamonds are usually easy to spot for a skilled grader under magnification. The grade is divided into VS1 Clarity and VS2 clarity. The VS grade makes up the majority of diamonds bought today.
Determining between diamonds of vs1 vs vs2 is very complicated and can only really be done by an expert gemologist.
Shop some rings that have VS1 clarity and VS2 clarity diamond inclusions inside.
Slightly Included (SI)
By the time we get to SI diamonds, flaws are easy to spot under magnification. Occasionally, some SI2 diamonds may also have inclusions visible to the naked eye. Many dealers will not stock SI diamonds, especially SI2, as they are usually quite low value unless exceptionally large.
Browse our selection of SI1 and SI2 diamond rings.
Click here to learn about “SI3 Clarity”.
Included (I)
Inclusions in any of the 3 I-grade diamonds are obvious under magnification and often easily visible without. Many I3 diamonds end up in cheap jewelry or even in industrial applications rather than in engagement rings. Brilliance is greatly affected, and demand is generally low for I-graded diamonds.
Due to the quality we require in our collection, we don’t have any diamond rings with I1, I2, or I3 clarity. We always caution our customers that I1, I2, and I3 are diamond inclusions to avoid.
Any diamond inclusions that are too flawed will be very undesirable to sell later if you ever choose.
How to Determine Diamond Clarity?
The clarity of a polished diamond is graded on a scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included Grade 3 (I3). Flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions or blemishes. Only around 0.02% of all the diamonds produced are flawless. Such grading plays a large part in the valuation of a diamond. Although Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds have no inclusions, they will have blemishes that can be seen at 10x magnification.
Slightly Included Grade 1 (SI1) is the 7th level of clarity on the scale and is considered the final grade at which inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye. The next level (SI2) will have inclusions that are visible without magnification. They will also require a further, magnified inspection to determine the extent of the effect of the inclusion on the overall clarity.
The Scale of Diamond Clarity
| FL | Flawless – No inclusions or blemishes detectable under 10x magnification. |
| IF | Very Very Slightly Included – Inclusions are difficult to detect under 10x magnification but are present. VVS1 inclusions are detectable from the pavilion, and VVS2 from the crown. |
| VVS1 and VVS2 | Very Slightly Included – Inclusions clearly visible under 10x magnification, but usually classed as minor. |
| VS1 and VS2 | Included – The lowest grade on the scale and may have quite pronounced exclusions clearly visible to the naked eye. |
| I1, I2, and I3 | Very Very Slightly Included – Inclusions are difficult to detect under 10x magnification but are present. VVS1 inclusions are detectable from the pavilion and VVS2 from the crown. |
Enhancing The Clarity Of A Diamond
We like to think of all diamonds as being truly natural. There are techniques, however, that can adjust the appearance of polished stones. One example is laser modification. Advanced lasers will drill a very fine hole from the surface to the inclusion. They then insert acid into the hole in order to bleach the inclusions and make it more difficult to detect.
The GIA won’t certify diamonds with fracture fillings. Fracture-filled diamonds aren’t true and are, therefore, unnatural.
Make sure that you check your certificate to determine that your diamond is truly natural.
Where Cut and Color Fit In
The cut and color of a diamond are probably more important than either clarity or carat weight. Even a flawless, colorless diamond will likely look terrible if the cut quality is poor. Similarly, almost all diamonds have color. Because of this, diamond size becomes a potential issue as similar color levels look different in large and small diamonds. Unless you are planning to use a yellow-gold setting, try to get the faintest color diamond you can. Otherwise, setting in platinum or white gold can expose even the faintest hint of yellow in the diamond.
This is true regardless of clarity or weight. Again, though, use your eyes to guide you. Many non-colorless diamonds will actually look colorless unless side by side with a true D (colorless) color diamond. Let what you see in the diamond be the reason for your choice rather than what it says on the grading certificate.
Which Clarity To Buy?
Budget will be a big factor when purchasing any diamond. While there is something extraordinary about owning a flawless diamond, they’re not only rare and hard to come by but also come with a significant price premium attached.
IF and F clarity may be a good idea if you want an investment diamond and your budget allows for it. If, however, your bank account is not bottomless, our recommendation would be to purchase a VS clarity stone.
VS clarity diamonds are a terrific compromise of grade and price. While they do contain flaws, these are rarely visible to the naked eye. As nobody you show your engagement ring to will be carrying a jeweler’s magnification loupe unless they are a jeweler, the diamond will appear all but perfect in most circumstances.
Perhaps surprisingly, a VS2 diamond may be as little as a quarter of the price of an IF or even VVS1 diamond. Although VVS2 and VVS1 are much more expensive than VS1 and VS2, even most experts cannot tell them apart. This makes VS clarity a very attractive option for most buyers. An added benefit is that the available numbers of VS diamonds are much higher than those of VVS or IF stones. This increases your choice of size and cut, making it easier to find a stone you like.
If you want an affordable diamond with no visible inclusions, we recommend focusing on VS1 and VS2. If you don’t mind having a few minor visible inclusions, you can even drop to SI1. We strongly discourage going less than SI1, it’s probably preferable at that point to choose a smaller stone with better clarity.
Clarity vs. Carat Weight
It’s a good question and very difficult to answer. In practice, the smaller the diamond, the less particular you need to be about clarity—conversely, the larger the diamond, the fewer flaws it needs to have. If you choose a large, low-clarity diamond, the lack of brilliance and sparkle can be noticeable.
Although we talk about grades a lot with diamonds, they are not necessarily the only consideration. Unless your goal in purchasing is as an investment piece, don’t worry too much about the clarity grade. Instead, look for eye-clean diamonds, meaning diamonds whose inclusions cannot be seen without magnification. They may well be present, but if you can’t see them, it really shouldn’t matter. This opens up options for looking at larger diamonds than you might otherwise do. We generally don’t recommend going beyond VS2 at 2ct or above, but the choice is yours.
Contact a Diamond Expert
We hope you found the information in our clarity guide helpful. When selecting a diamond, it’s important to consider how all aspects of a diamond’s grade contribute to its value, cost, and overall appearance. You can find more information that will help you understand how to choose a diamond in our color and carat guides.
For personalized recommendations and guidance, contact one of our expert jewelers. They can help you select the best diamond based on your preferences and price point. Fill out the form below, and we’ll respond shortly.
