Diamond Clarity

What is Diamond Clarity?

As covered in our diamond color guide, diamonds are admired for their transparency and purity. However, because they form deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain natural birthmarks—classified as either inclusions (internal) or blemishes (external).

Clarity, one of the 4Cs, reflects a diamond's purity and measures the visibility, number, and nature of these birthmarks. The fewer and less noticeable they are, the higher the diamond’s clarity grade—and therefore, its rarity and value.

Clarity is evaluated by trained gemologists under 10x magnification. They assess the size, quantity, color, position, and type of each inclusion or blemish. These clarity characteristics are then drawn on a diamond plot and compared against master stones before assigning an official clarity grade. The less disruptive the inclusions, the better the diamond’s appearance and brilliance.

Convention Confusion

Despite cultural and language differences across the globe, gemological laboratories and diamond professionals universally follow the same clarity grading system. This modern system—featuring terms like VVS, VS, and SI—was introduced and popularized by GIA to create a more standardized and objective way of assessing clarity.

Before this, the trade relied on vague, inconsistent terms such as eye-clean, loupe-clean, and piqué. The term loupe-clean itself was ambiguous, especially since loupes weren’t yet standardized—meaning two experts might reach completely different conclusions.

Diamond Clarity Grading

Golden Eiffel primarily offers diamonds graded from Flawless (FL) to Very Slightly Included (VS) clarity, with select Slightly Included (SI) diamonds available upon request. We curate our diamonds to ensure exceptional purity, brilliance, and value at every grade we carry.

Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)

FL and IF diamonds are extremely rare and considered the pinnacle of diamond clarity—less than 1% of all diamonds qualify. Under 10x magnification:

FL diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes, while IF diamonds may have surface blemishes but no internal inclusions. Even expert gemologists struggle to distinguish the two. These diamonds command the highest prices, but there is still a meaningful price difference between FL and IF.

Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect under 10x magnification—even for a skilled grader. These diamonds are prized for their outstanding purity and luster, and are ideal for clients seeking top-tier beauty without paying FL prices.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

VS diamonds offer a balance between high clarity and excellent value. Inclusions are minor and usually not visible to the naked eye:

VS1 diamonds are typically eye-clean and may only reveal inclusions under magnification. Meanwhile, VS2 diamonds may have slight inclusions visible under close inspection, particularly in larger stones.

VS diamonds are among the most popular choices for engagement rings due to their quality and affordability.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

SI diamonds contain noticeable inclusions under magnification, and in the case of SI2, some may be visible without magnification.

Many SI1 diamonds are eye-clean and offer great value, especially when paired with higher color grades. We recommend viewing SI diamonds in person or consulting our experts before purchasing, as clarity impact can vary by stone.

Included (I1, I2, I3)

I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and can affect transparency and brilliance. These diamonds are rarely used in high-end fine jewelry due to the noticeable clarity issues and lower durability.

Diamond Clarity Scale

Spotless... Almost

When searching for the perfect balance of clarity, color, cut, and carat, it's helpful to remember: no diamond is truly perfect. Even Flawless (FL) diamonds may contain minute imperfections invisible under 10x magnification—just not enough to affect the grade.

A higher clarity grade typically means a purer appearance and better brilliance, but most inclusions in the VS and SI range are invisible to the naked eye. That’s why so many customers find exceptional value in eye-clean diamonds below the top clarity tiers.

A severe cavity inclusion on a diamond by GIA

Types of Inclusions

Inclusions (Internal Birthmarks)

Inclusions form naturally as the diamond crystal grows deep underground. Common types include:

Pinpoint – A tiny dot-like crystal visible under magnification.
Cloud – A cluster of pinpoints that appear hazy.
Needle – A long, thin crystal resembling a line.
Feather – A small internal crack, often white and wispy.
Crystal – A mineral crystal trapped inside the diamond.
Knot – A crystal that reaches the diamond’s surface.
Cavity – A hole often caused by a crystal falling out.
Internal Graining – Lines or curves caused by irregular growth patterns.

Blemishes (Surface Imperfections)

Blemishes are usually caused by cutting, polishing, mounting, or wear. Common blemishes include:

Chip – A small nick on the diamond’s surface.
Natural – A rough area left from the original crystal surface.
Indented Natural – A deeper natural spot extending below the surface.
Bruise – A tiny surface crack, often caused by impact.
Surface Graining – Similar to internal graining, but on the surface.

Tips On Clarity

Choosing a diamond can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few helpful tips for clarity:

Start by identifying the lowest clarity grade you feel comfortable with—this helps maximize your budget.
Eye-clean diamonds (those without visible inclusions) are excellent choices, even if their clarity grade isn’t perfect on paper.
Whenever possible, view diamonds in person. We invite you to visit our showroom and compare different grades side by side—you might be surprised at what your eye can (or can’t) detect.

Clarity appearance based on size or shape

How Carat Size Affects Clarity Visibility

Carat weight—essentially the size of a diamond—has a significant impact on how visible clarity characteristics appear. Since clarity is graded relative to the diamond's overall size, the same inclusion will appear much more prominent in a larger stone than in a smaller one.

For instance, a 0.50-carat diamond with an SI2 clarity grade may appear eye-clean, with inclusions not visible without magnification. In contrast, a 5-carat diamond with the same SI2 grade will likely display visible inclusions even to the naked eye. Larger diamonds simply offer more surface area for inclusions to be noticed—making clarity even more important as carat weight increases.

How Diamond Shape Affects Clarity Appearance

Different diamond shapes reveal or hide inclusions to varying degrees. Just as some shapes can emphasize color, certain cuts can also highlight clarity features—or help conceal them.

Round brilliant cuts are excellent at hiding inclusions due to their high number of facets and intense light return, making them the most forgiving shape for lower clarity grades.
Step cuts like emerald and Asscher have larger, open facets that act like windows into the diamond, making any inclusions far more noticeable—even in higher clarity grades.
Fancy shapes such as oval, pear, or marquise fall somewhere in between, depending on the facet pattern and overall size.

When choosing a diamond shape, it's wise to pair more transparent shapes (like emerald or Asscher) with higher clarity grades, especially if you're sensitive to visible inclusions.

Spotless... Almost

Two diamonds can share the same carat weight and clarity grade on paper—say, both 2.00 ct VS2—but look completely different in person. One might be beautifully eye-clean, while the other has a visible inclusion right near the center. That’s why at Golden Eiffel, we hand-select each stone with placement and visibility in mind, even if it means paying a bit more. The result? Diamonds that always look cleaner than their grade suggests.

How Clarity Affects a Diamond's Durability

Clarity doesn't just influence how a diamond looks—it can also affect its structural integrity, especially in extreme cases. While most inclusions are harmless, certain types—such as large cavities, feathers near the girdle, or surface-reaching inclusions—can make a diamond more prone to damage, particularly with everyday wear.

Diamonds graded SI or better generally do not raise durability concerns. Included (I1–I3) diamonds, on the other hand, may have structural weaknesses that could compromise longevity, especially in high-impact or high-wear jewelry like rings.

If you're selecting a diamond for daily wear, such as an engagement ring, choosing a clarity grade of SI1 or above will typically provide peace of mind.

How Diamond Clarity Affects Price

Clarity has a major influence on a diamond’s price—even when differences are not visible to the naked eye. Because clarity grades are determined under 10x magnification, diamonds with fewer or less severe inclusions are rarer, and thus more valuable.

This rarity leads to significant price differences between diamonds of the same size and shape but different clarity grades. For example, a 1-carat VVS1 diamond can cost double compared to a 1-carat SI1 diamond, even if both appear eye-clean.

Understanding where your clarity tolerance lies—and whether you're sensitive to tiny imperfections—can help you find the best balance between quality and value.

Picture of VVS1 vs I1 diamond

How important is diamond clarity?

Diamond clarity is a key factor in determining a diamond’s quality, but it isn’t the only one. While higher clarity diamonds tend to have fewer visible imperfections and offer more brilliance, other factors like cut, color, and carat size often have a greater impact on the diamond’s overall appearance. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance for your preferences and budget.

Can inclusions affect the sparkle of a diamond?

Yes, certain inclusions, especially large ones or those close to the surface, can impact a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. However, small, internal inclusions usually don't affect the diamond’s overall appearance.

What is the most popular diamond clarity?

At Golden Eiffel, we primarily focus on diamonds with clarity grades of VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) and VS (Very Slightly Included). These grades are highly sought after for their excellent purity and exceptional value, making them the ideal choice for most of our customers who want a perfect balance of quality and price.

Do diamonds with higher clarity always look better?

Not necessarily. While diamonds with higher clarity grades have fewer visible imperfections, diamonds with a slightly lower clarity can still be stunning, especially when well-cut. The visual impact of clarity is often subtle, and the cut and overall aesthetics may matter more to some buyers.

What does "eye-clean" mean?

"Eye-clean" refers to diamonds that have inclusions or blemishes, but they are not visible to the naked eye under normal viewing conditions. Even diamonds with lower clarity grades can be eye-clean depending on the placement and size of the inclusions.

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