Diamond Clarity Chart
What Is Diamond Clarity?
The unique way in which diamonds form can result in natural imperfections that may impact the beauty and value of these gemstones. These blemishes, also known as characteristics, are quantified and expressed through diamond clarity ratings assigned to individually graded diamonds. All Blue Nile graded diamonds are assessed along the diamond grading chart, receiving clarity ratings on a scale that ranges from slightly included to flawless.
The fewer visible imperfections a diamond has, the higher its diamond clarity rating. Clarity is one of the 4Cs of diamonds, with a diamond clarity scale that showcases how free of blemishes an individual diamond is.
The diamond clarity scale focuses on visible flaws above all else, as some flaws are so small that they can’t be seen with the unaided eye. Surface flaws are called blemishes, while internal characteristics are known as inclusions. In most cases, a diamond’s beauty is not affected by these in any way since many blemishes and inclusions can’t be seen without considerable magnification. Many jewelry settings, such as the prongs of engagement rings, can also help mask some blemishes and inclusions.
When referring to inclusions, gemologists often use the term “internal characteristics” instead of flaws. Internal characteristics are what give a diamond its character. It’s also important to note that diamonds with the fewest and smallest inclusions receive the highest clarity grades—and higher price tags to reflect that.
Remember, all diamonds are unique, not perfect. They are made through enormous pressure and heat. Natural inclusions and blemishes are inevitable.
Tips For Understanding Diamond Clarity
There are many misconceptions around the clarity of diamonds, including the belief that you need to buy a high clarity grade to avoid seeing imperfections. Another common falsehood is that a higher clarity grade results in more sparkle. Neither of these is true! Here are some tips to get you started on your diamond search:
• The term “eye clean” means that the diamond’s inclusions are too small to see without magnification.
• A good place to start your search and maximize your budget is with Slightly Included (SI) and Very Slightly Included (VS) grades because inclusions will not be readily noticeable without magnification.
• Diamond shape and size affect clarity. While clarity is less important than a diamond’s cut or color, if you are buying a diamond over one carat or considering certain fancy-shaped diamonds (like an emerald or Asscher cut where flaws are more visible), you may want to spend more for a higher clarity grade.
• Diamond clarity is an important characteristic that affects a diamond’s beauty. Like all of the 4Cs, diamond clarity is an important consideration when buying a diamond. While clarity affects price, there are a number of factors that can help you decide which clarity grade is right for you.
The Diamond Clarity Scale Spans 11 Clarity Grades
Diamond clarity is independently graded along a scale of 11 different grade types, from slightly included diamonds to flawless diamonds.
Because clarity is a leading factor in the value of diamonds, the diamond clarity grading chart was standardized in 1953 when Richard T. Liddicoat and colleagues established the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond grading system and diamond clarity scale. The GIA diamond grading scale is divided into 6 categories and 11 diamond clarity grades.
Assuming all the other diamond gradings are the same, a diamond positioned higher on the diamond grading chart will carry higher value than more included diamonds. For example, SI diamonds will have a lower price than VVS diamonds. This is because the inclusions seen in slightly included diamonds are more visible than those in very very slightly included diamonds. Many of the inclusions seen in diamonds are only visible under magnification, and the GIA report of a specific diamond will indicate how visible its blemishes or inclusions may be.
At Blue Nile, we do not carry loose diamonds that are rated as included. You will not find loose gems with diamond clarity I1, diamond clarity I2 or diamond clarity I3. You can learn more about the different diamond clarity ratings below.
I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds
• I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
• Blue Nile does not sell I clarity grade loose diamonds for engagement ring designs
• Blue Nile does offer a limited selection of jewelry preset with I1 diamonds
SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds
• Inclusions are noticeable at 10x magnification
• If eye clean, SI diamonds are often the best value
• SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side
VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds
• Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification
• Great value; Blue Nile’s most popular diamond clarity
VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds
• VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification
• VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance
• Characteristics are minuscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye
Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds
• Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope on IF diamonds
• IF diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics set the grade
• Visually eye clean
Flawless (FL) Diamonds
• No internal or external characteristics
• Less than 1% of all diamonds are FL clarity
• A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions
The Five Diamond Clarity Factors
Size: The larger or more noticeable a characteristic, the lower the likely clarity grade.
Number: This is the number of easily seen characteristics. Having fewer characteristics means a higher clarity grade.
Position: What is the position of any given characteristic? The location of a characteristic within the diamond anatomy will impact the rating. Is it under the table (most visible) and close to a pavilion? This position turns inclusions into reflectors, which have a bigger impact on the clarity grade.
Nature: The nature of a diamond characteristic relates to the type of inclusion and its impact on durability.
Color and relief: Color and relief are essentially a measure of how easily a characteristic is seen, or how much contrast there is between the characteristic and surrounding diamond.
Why SI Diamonds And VS Diamonds Are The Best Value
While the extremely rare Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are the highest quality diamond clarity, you may want to consider a diamond that won’t break the bank. For the best value, select a diamond with inclusions that can’t be seen through the crown without magnification (also known as eye clean diamonds), like a diamond with an SI or VS clarity grade. These diamonds are much less expensive and look the same as the higher grades, visually.
How a Diamond’s Shape Impacts its Clarity
Some diamond shapes require a higher clarity grade than others. Emerald and Asscher-shaped diamonds (referred to as step cut) are designed with rectangular facets that emphasize transparency and let you see farther down into the diamond, which can make inclusions more visible. For these diamond shapes, choose a clarity grade of VS1 or better to ensure that the inclusions will not be visible.
Conversely, round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, and heart-shaped diamonds may not require as high of a clarity grade. Cut with a brilliant facet pattern, which reflects light from many different angles, these shapes naturally hide many inclusions.
Diamond Size’s Influence on Clarity
As diamond size increases, the size of the facets (the multiple mirror-like surfaces on the diamond) become more abundant. This can make inclusions more visible. Be sure to prioritize a higher clarity grade as the size of your diamond goes up.
The Diamond Clarity Plot
Diamonds over one carat in size receive a diamond clarity plot alongside their GIA grading report. The diamond clarity plot is a map of a stone’s inclusions, blemishes and characteristics. It will include the factors that impacted the stone’s grading and may show other characteristics as well. The diamond clarity plot accompanies the GIA certification.
Popular Diamond Clarity Grades
With price points and sparkling stones all along the diamond grading scale, there are many types of diamond grades to choose from. Different shapes and cuts will hide many characteristics. Choosing diamond clarity of SI1 or SI2 is a great starting point for finding beautiful diamonds with minimal inclusions. Our VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) diamonds are our most popular choices. These diamond clarity grades can have some inclusions, but many of the inclusions are not easily seen with the unaided eye. Many diamond characteristics can also be hidden by the diamond cut or shape.
Sizing Up Clarity
The smaller a diamond, the more difficult it typically is to see any inclusions or blemishes. As you go up in diamond carat weight, characteristics may be more visible. Diamond clarity is an important consideration for larger diamonds.
You Can Learn More About A Diamond’s Characteristics (Inclusions/Blemishes) In The IGI or GIA Grading Report
Any characteristics that don’t get factored into the diamond’s assigned grade may still be noted on the GIA grading report or clarity plot (if there is one).
As is common practice in the industry, you’ll only find a clarity plot when the diamond is over one carat.
There Are Many Different Types Of Diamond Inclusions And Blemishes
If you find the whole topic of internal and external diamond characteristics as fascinating as we do, take a deep dive and learn more about the various types of inclusions and blemishes in your diamond of interest.
Types Of Diamond Inclusions
• Clouds
• Feathers
• Crystals or minerals
• Knots
• Cavities
• Cleavage
• Internal graining
Types Of Blemish Examples
• Polish lines
• Scratches
• Nicks
• Pits
• Chips
• Breaks
• Dark or light spots
These characteristics may not be present in all diamonds, but they can often be found in both natural and lab grown diamonds. Because every diamond is unique, beautiful brilliant diamonds can still be found even with inclusions and blemishes.
Shop Blue Nile Diamonds By Clarity Grade
At Blue Nile, we offer the highest quality diamonds and deliver the best value for your budget. If you're shopping for a ring or other diamond jewelry, we offer the following diamond clarity grades:
Flawless Diamonds
• FL & IF Diamonds (Rare Finds)
Slightly Included Diamonds
• VVS Diamonds (Excellent Quality)
Have A Question?
Contact us by phone at 1-800-242-2728 or email at service@bluenile.com.
In addition, Live Chat is available during most business hours.
Diamond Clarity FAQ
Which diamond clarity is the best value?
Each diamond is unique but in general, VI and SI are the best value for diamond clarity. IF and FL diamonds are exceptionally rare, and their prices reflect this.
Ultimately, the diamond clarity rating you choose depends on your personal preferences and budget.
Which of the VS diamonds are a better choice?
There are two diamond clarity grades that offer an excellent price point with minimal visible inclusions. Very Slightly Included diamonds are our most popular choice. This clarity grade is available in VS1 and VS2, with VS1 as the higher grade along the diamond clarity scale. Both VS1 and VS2 diamonds are an excellent choice, though VS1 is a slightly higher clarity.
Which shapes can hide diamond clarity flaws?
The facets of a diamond can often help hide flaws by redirecting light or even the diamond viewer’s gaze when a stone is being observed. More faceted diamonds are effective at hiding flaws in lower clarity grades. This includes round, cushion and oval diamonds.
Is diamond clarity very important?
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs, though clarity is also an important element to consider. In larger stones or diamonds with less-brilliant faceted diamond cuts, clarity is a crucial grade.
How are diamond inclusions formed?
The high pressure, high temperature conditions in which natural and many lab diamonds form can result in blemishes. Imperfections and inclusions are a natural part of the diamond formation process and often contribute to the unique beauty of these gems.
Can inclusions be seen without magnification?
In lower clarity grade diamonds, inclusions, blemishes and characteristics may be seen without magnification. Stones with diamond clarity I2 and I3 are most likely to have inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye without magnification.
As the diamond clarity scale continues up towards FL stones, the inclusions become more difficult to spot and are typically only seen with magnification by a trained jeweler. IF and FL diamonds will likely not have any visible inclusions.