This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. [read more]   OK

A Guide to the Diamond Clarity Scale


Diamond clarity is a measure of the extent of natural inclusions occurring within a Diamond. Diamonds form under tremendous heat and pressure. This often results in internal and external characteristics. These help gemologists separate natural Diamonds from synthetics and simulants and identify individual stones.  Inclusions and blemishes create a unique blueprint for your Diamond. We describe Diamond clarity by using a scale. This consists of eleven grades.

Fl and IF Clarity


Flawless and Internally flawless

Flawless Diamonds and Internally flawless Diamonds are the highest clarity grades. Both grades are 'loupe clean' but truly 'Flawless' Diamonds lack outer blemishes. 

Please remember that you don't need to choose a flawless Diamond to ensure a visibly clear Diamond. You will be paying a much higher price for a clarity difference you will not necessarily see. 

VVS1 and VVS2 Clarity


Very Very Slightly Included 1 ...higher in clarity than....

Very Very Slightly Included 2

Are you struggling to see the inclusions? That's no surprise! 

Diamonds achieving VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades are exceptionally clear. Again, there is no real necessity to seek VVS1 or VVS2 clarity grades to achieve a clear Diamond. Even to a trained eye, inclusions are very difficult to detect.

VS1 and VS2 Clarity


Very Slightly Included 1 ...higher in clarity than...

Very Slightly Included 2

Diamonds have very small inclusions visible under 10 x magnification at VS clarity. Wise buyers often choose VS clarity Diamonds for the reassurance of owning an eye-clean Diamond with very small natural marks that are hard to see even under magnification. We advise VS1 clarity, especially for Emerald cut Diamonds. 

SI1 Clarity


Slightly Included 1

We list this clarity separately, even though. Similarly, a lower SI2 clarity follows. Expect GIA-certified SI1 clarity Diamonds to be clear of marks to the naked eye. Only under 10 x magnification will you see the inclusions. SI1 clarity Diamonds except for Emerald cuts (see why below) SI1 clarity Diamonds are very popular because they give a very good clarity without the additional cost of higher grades. 

SI2 Clarity


Slightly Included 12

SI2 clarity Diamonds reveal small inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. Although clarity goes much lower than SI2, we chose this particular clarity grade as our minimum for website jewellery to ensure client satisfaction for entry-level Diamond clarity on our website. 

I1 Clarity


Included 1 

I1 clarity Diamonds are sometimes called piqué 1 (pronounced pee-kay 1) clarity Diamonds. They reveal visible inclusions to the naked eye. No specific types of inclusion or location within the Diamond determine this grade, merely the number of inclusions and visibility within the stone. 

I2 Clarity


Included 2

I2 clarity Diamonds are sometimes called piqué 2 (pronounced pee-kay 2) clarity Diamonds. They are more heavily included with visible marks within the Diamond. Expect inclusions, either white or black, to be quite noticeable at this level which can affect the brilliance of your Diamond. 

I3 Clarity 


Included 3

I3 clarity Diamonds are sometimes called piqué 3 (pronounced pee-kay 3) clarity. This clarity grade is officially the lowest clarity grade which can be assigned to a Diamond. Diamonds at this grade appear very heavily included. Please note that although I3 is the lowest clarity grade, some Diamonds can be extremely included, appearing lifeless and still achieving this clarity grade. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Clarity


What is good clarity?


VS1 clarity is considered a perfect option for Emerald, Asscher, and Baguette cut Diamonds. However, VS1 clarity is considered better than eye-clean for brilliant-cut Diamonds. SI1 clarity is considered perfectly sufficient for brilliant cut Diamonds under 1 carat. This is provided that the Diamond is GIA certified and the buyer expects the diamond to be clear to the naked eye


What is the most popular Diamond clarity?


If we consider the most popular Diamond clarity to ensure a visible clear Diamond, we suggest SI1 clarity for the most popular shapes. Our most popular colour and clarity combination is G colour and SI1 clarity for Diamonds below 1 carat in weight. 


Is it possible to see a difference between VS1 and VS2?


The difference between VS1 clarity and VS2 clarity is very slight. An academic difference exists, recognised by a trained eye, grading under 10x magnification. 


Should I buy IF clarity for my Diamond?


Don't opt for IF clarity unless you want the prestige of the very best Diamond clarity. It is a well-known fact that very high colour (D, E, F) colour Diamonds at the highest clarity grade ascend in price and are favoured as investment Diamonds along naturally fancy coloured Diamonds. 


What is the difference between IF and FL for Diamonds?


Flawless Diamonds (FL) have no visible inclusions or blemishes appearing externally on the Diamond. External blemishes are microscopic but might be present on IF-clarity Diamonds. 


How do I know where my inclusions will be when I buy my Diamond at Serendipity?


We can provide detailed photography and microscopy of your Diamond if needed to show you any inclusions within your Diamond. We provide this service to purchase any loose Diamonds or certified Diamonds being set into Engagement Rings. Please contact us for guidance. In many instances, we can also provide 365 degrees HD video of your Diamond.


Is SI2 clarity eye clean?


At SI2 clarity, characteristics within the Diamond start to become visible. The overall appearance of the Diamond is clear, except for very small marks that may appear within the Diamond. GIA Certified Diamonds are graded strictly and are more likely to appear eye clean. We don't recommend this clarity for Emerald cut Diamonds. Characteristics may be more apparent within step-cut Diamonds.