Diamond Characteristics - Clarity
A diamond's clarity is a measurement of the amount of blemishes (external flaws) or inclusions (internal flaws) a diamond contains. An inclusion can be air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals found in the diamond.
The grading starts at F which is a completely flawless (internally & externally) and extremely rare diamond. The chart below is the GIA clarity scale showing the different grades of diamond clarity.
 |
IF |
Internally flawless |
No internal flaws, but some surface flaws. Very rare. |
| VVS1- VVS2 |
Very Very Slightly Included |
Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification by a trained gemmologist. VVS1 is slightly cleaner than VVS2. |
| VS1-VS2 |
Very Slightly Included |
Minor inclusions only visible under 10x magnification. VS1 is slightly cleaner than VS2. |
| SI1-SI2 |
Slightly Included |
Inclusions easy to see under 10x magnification but usually not visible with the naked eye. SI1 is slightly cleaner than SI2. |
| I1-I2-I3 |
Included |
Inclusions visible with the naked eye. |
For grades F through SI, a diamond's clarity grade has an impact on the diamond's value, not on the unmagnified diamond's appearance.
GIA certificates include what is known as a "plot" of a diamond's inclusions -- think of it as a "diamond fingerprint." Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, comparing the uniqueness of your diamond's clarity characteristics with the plot provided on the diamond certificate offers assurance that the diamond you pay for is the same diamond you receive.
About Buying Diamonds is a comprehensive guide explaining diamond characteristics like cut, colour, clarity & carat, as well as the different diamond shapes and types of diamonds. You can learn what to buy for your diamond jewellery needs such as diamond rings or diamond bracelets and how these grades will affect diamond prices. The process of buying diamonds online may be daunting to some, so throughout this site we offer advice and information on buying all types of diamonds including loose diamonds and wholesale diamonds and the reasons why you should always buy certified diamonds.