Diamond Clarity Guide

When you look into a diamond, you’re not only looking at its brilliance, but you’re also viewing how pure its crystal structure is. Diamond clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of tiny natural visible characteristics called inclusions (internal marks) and blemishes (external marks). These can be thought of as nature’s fingerprints created while the diamond was growing, and no two diamonds are exact duplicates.

In simple terms, if you have a high clarity, then you have less of the tiny visible characteristics, and the diamond will appear to be cleaner and brighter. However, it’s worth noting that most inclusions are microscopic and can’t be seen without magnification. Therefore, even a diamond with lower clarity grades can be more flawless (to the eye).

For lab grown diamonds, clarity is equally important. Because they’re grown in a controlled environment, lab grown diamonds will often have less inclusions compared to many natural diamonds, allowing high clarity options more accessible and affordable.

The diamond clarity scale is a standardized system used by gemological institutions like IGI (International Gemological Institute) to grade the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws) in a diamond. Clarity grades are determined by the size, type, number, position, and visibility of these imperfections under 10x magnification.

Flawless (FL)

Under 10x magnification, this diamond has no inclusions or blemishes. It is extremely rare and valuable.

Internally Flawless (IF)

No internal inclusions are visible and only minor blemishes. To the naked eye, there is virtually no difference between the appearance of an IF and FL diamond.

Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Inclusions are very hard to find under magnification. These diamonds look perfect when examined with the naked eye and represent an excellent option for buyers that want high clarity without the price tag of an FL or IF diamond.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

Small inclusions that can be difficult (VS1) or somewhat easy (VS2) to see through magnification but generally invisible to the naked eye. Great balance of quality and value.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Inclusions that can be seen in magnification and could sometimes be seen without magnification, also depending on the diamond's size and location of the inclusions. Still a good budget-friendly choice, especially if the inclusions are around the edges and not in the table (center).

Included (I1, I2, I3)

Inclusions are obvious under magnification and could affect brilliance and durability. Generally not recommended for fine jewelry under these grades.

Every diamond has unique clarity characteristics that tell its own story. Some inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, while others can affect the diamond’s brilliance or durability. The following is a brief guide to the most often seen inclusions and surface blemishes that you may encounter on a grading report or under magnification.

Diamond clarity is evaluated using multiple factors, which determine how apparent the inclusions and blemishes are, and how it will affect the light performance of the diamond. Here are the primary factors gemologists use to determine clarity grade:

• Size of Inclusions and Blemishes: Inclusions or surface blemishes that are large can easily be identified (when using magnification) and may impact the light performance more than pinpoint inclusions.

• Number of Inclusions: More inclusions will typically mean a lower clarity grade. A diamond with a couple of small inclusions will grade higher than one with multiple small inclusions.

• Location of Inclusions: If the inclusions are aligned under the table (the large flat facet on top), they will be more apparent and may also impact brilliance. Inclusions that are closer to the edges of a diamond or near the prongs in a setting will be less obvious and less likely to affect clarity.

• Nature and Type of Inclusion: Some inclusions like feathers and clouds will impact durability and sparkle in a diamond, while some inclusions like pinpoint inclusions will have minimal effect.

• Relief (Color Contrast): If an inclusion is darker or more reflective than the surrounding diamond, it will be more apparent and more noticeable to the naked eye.

Not all diamond shapes hide inclusions the same way. The way a diamond is cut influences how light travels through it and, therefore, how visible inclusions appear.

Brilliant-Cut Diamonds (Round, Oval, Cushion, Radiant)

Brilliant-cuts have so many facets and sparkle themselves are very bright that they can help mask minor inclusions. For example, round brilliant diamonds can appear eye-clean even with slightly lower clarity ranges like VS2 or SI1.

Step-Cut Diamonds (Emerald, Asscher, Baguette)

Step-cuts feature elongated, open facets with a “hall of mirrors” look, which makes inclusions more visible to the naked eye. Higher clarity grades (VS1 or better) are often recommended for these shapes.

Fancy Cuts (Pear, Marquise, Heart)

These shapes may hide some of the inclusions due to their faceting structure, but keep in mind the pointed tips where inclusions can affect durability.

The larger the diamond, the more obvious inclusions will be.

• Larger Diamonds (2 Carats and Above): With more surface area, inclusions become more noticeable, even if they’re small. Higher clarity grades (VS2 and above) are often recommended for bigger stones to maintain a clean appearance.

• Smaller Diamonds (Under 1 Carat): Minor inclusions are much harder to detect in smaller stones. You can often choose a slightly lower clarity grade (SI1 or SI2) without compromising beauty, especially in brilliant-cut shapes.

When it comes to clarity, it’s easy to get lost in technical grading terms—but you don’t need to be a gemologist to make the right choice. Here are a few simple tips to help you feel confident when evaluating clarity:

Eye-Clean Matters More Than Perfection

What is most important to most buyers is that a diamond looks clean to the naked eye. Many diamonds with clarity grades of VS2 or even SI1 can look flawless with the naked eye, which represent good value selections.

Higher Clarity Doesn’t Always Mean Better Sparkle

While a flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF), almost sounds perfect. The cut quality and performance of the diamond (how well it reflects color and light) actually plays a larger role in the sparkle than a speck of an inclusion that the untrained eye would not even notice. In short, focus mainly on cut grades before fixating on the top clarity grades.

Consider the Diamond’s Shape and Size

Certain shape diamonds like emerald and Asscher cuts can easily show inclusions because of their open step-cut facets, so you may want to choose a higher clarity for these styles. Yet brilliant cut diamonds like round or cushion naturally hide small inclusions.

Lab Grown Diamonds Offer More High-Clarity Options

With growing technology continuing to evolve, lab grown diamonds often have fewer inclusions on average, and therefore you are more likely to find higher clarity grades - such as VVS or VS - without the high price tags associated with mined diamonds.

Clarity plays a major role in how a diamond sparkles, how much it costs, and how it looks once set in jewelry. While high-clarity diamonds are prized for their rarity, many inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, making it possible to balance beauty and budget if you know what to look for.

Why Clarity Matters in Buying Decisions

When considering clarity, the higher the clarity grade, the more likely the diamond is to have fewer inclusions or blemishes, and in turn may allow for increased brilliance and overall light performance. It is important to remember that while a higher clarity grade better enables the diamond to fulfill its performance, not every inclusion impacts beauty, and a well-cut diamond can mask minor flaws between crystal structures in the gemstone. So a mid-range clarity grade may be a great option for buyers looking for a larger stone, or size is more important than a flawless pure diamond.

Best Clarity Grades for Engagement Rings, Earrings & More

• Engagement Rings & Loose Diamonds (VS1–SI1): These grades offer excellent brilliance while keeping inclusions invisible to the naked eye. Ideal for diamonds 1 carat and above.

• Earrings & Pendant Necklaces (SI1–SI2): Since these pieces are viewed from a greater distance, slightly lower clarity grades can still look stunning and allow for larger stones within budget.

• Tennis Bracelets & Halo Jewelry (SI2–I1): Small diamonds in pavé or halo settings can hide inclusions easily, making eye-clean stones with lower clarity grades a great value choice.

• Investment or Heirloom Pieces (VVS1–IF): For collectors or those seeking the rarest quality, high-clarity diamonds remain the ultimate choice for long-term value.

At Lucenjuri, we believe every diamond should offer lasting beauty and brilliance — which is why we only select stones with clarity grades of SI2 or higher. These diamonds strike the perfect balance between quality and value, meaning that inclusions are non-existent or rarely visible to the naked eye.

All of our diamonds are examined to meet strict standards for sparkle, light performance, and overall visual appeal. Whether you select an SI2, VS or VVS, we are confident you will receive a diamond with excellent fire and brilliance. So you can be sure that whatever jewelry you wish to purchase, whether it is an engagement ring, wedding band, or a piece heirloom jewelry, that it has been selected by hand to ensure the highest level of beauty.

When you choose Lucenjuri, you’re choosing ethically sourced, lab grown diamonds that meet only the highest clarity standards — because your jewelry deserves nothing less.