Diamond Clarity: Grades, Inclusions and Buying Advice

Diamond clarity describes the relative absence of internal characteristics called inclusions and surface characteristics called blemishes. Almost every natural diamond contains some clarity characteristics, many of which are microscopic and have no visible effect on the diamond’s beauty.

A higher clarity grade means the diamond’s characteristics are smaller, fewer, less visible or positioned where they have less effect. However, the highest clarity grade is not always the smartest purchase. An attractive diamond with inclusions that cannot be seen without magnification can offer the same visible beauty as a much more expensive stone with a higher grade.

The goal is not necessarily to buy the highest clarity available. It is to select a transparent, durable and visually clean diamond without paying for microscopic rarity that cannot be appreciated during normal wear.

What Are Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes?

Inclusions are internal characteristics or features that extend into a diamond from its surface. Many inclusions form during the diamond’s growth, while others can result from pressure, structural changes or the cutting process.

Blemishes are characteristics confined primarily to the diamond’s surface. They may occur naturally or be introduced during cutting, polishing, setting or wear.

The presence of an inclusion does not automatically make a diamond unattractive or structurally weak. Its importance depends on its nature, size, number, location, color or relief, and how easily it can be seen.

Clarity characteristics can also function as identifying features. Because diamonds rarely contain exactly the same inclusions in precisely the same positions, the clarity diagram on a laboratory report can help identify an individual diamond.

How Diamond Clarity Is Graded

Professional laboratories grade diamond clarity by examining a loose diamond under controlled lighting and 10× magnification. The grader considers five principal factors:

• Size of the characteristics
• Number of characteristics
• Position within the diamond
• Nature or type of characteristic
• Relief, meaning how strongly the characteristic contrasts with the surrounding diamond

The final grade is not determined simply by counting inclusions. One dark inclusion beneath the center of the table may influence the grade more than several small, transparent inclusions near the girdle.

Position is especially important because the central table facet provides a direct view into the diamond. Characteristics hidden near the edge, beneath a bezel or close to a prong may be much less noticeable.

Clarity grades are assigned under standardized laboratory conditions. They do not guarantee that every diamond within a grade will look identical. Two diamonds graded SI1, for example, may have very different types and locations of inclusions.

The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale

The GIA clarity scale contains six categories divided into 11 specific grades:

Flawless — FL

A Flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader at 10× magnification.

Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare and command substantial premiums. They represent microscopic rarity, but they do not necessarily appear more beautiful to the unaided eye than lower-clarity diamonds.

Internally Flawless — IF

An Internally Flawless diamond has no inclusions visible at 10× magnification. Only minor surface blemishes are present.

The visual difference between FL and IF usually cannot be appreciated without professional examination. Both grades are primarily appropriate for buyers who value rarity, collectability or exceptionally high laboratory specifications.

Very, Very Slightly Included — VVS1 and VVS2

VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are extremely difficult or very difficult for a skilled grader to see at 10× magnification.

These diamonds normally appear completely clean to the unaided eye. VVS clarity offers exceptionally high quality, although much of its price premium is based on microscopic rarity rather than a visible improvement in beauty.

Very Slightly Included — VS1 and VS2

VS diamonds contain minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy for a trained grader to locate at 10× magnification.

Most VS1 and VS2 diamonds appear clean without magnification. This range often provides an excellent combination of visual quality, availability and value for an engagement ring.

VS2 is particularly popular because it can provide an eye-clean appearance without the premium charged for VVS, IF or FL grades. Nevertheless, every diamond should be examined individually, especially in larger sizes and step-cut shapes.

Slightly Included — SI1 and SI2

SI diamonds contain noticeable inclusions that are easy or very easy for a trained grader to see under 10× magnification.

Some SI1 diamonds appear clean to the unaided eye and can offer excellent value. Others contain visible characteristics beneath the table or inclusions that reduce transparency. SI2 diamonds are more likely to have inclusions visible without magnification, particularly in larger stones.

The SI category requires careful individual evaluation. A grading report alone does not reveal how distracting an inclusion will appear in person.

Included — I1, I2 and I3

Included diamonds contain obvious inclusions under 10× magnification. These characteristics may be visible without magnification and can sometimes affect transparency, brilliance or durability.

An I1 diamond may still be attractive when its inclusions are favorably positioned and the price reflects the grade. I2 and I3 diamonds require greater caution because prominent inclusions can interfere with appearance or create structural concerns.

For an engagement ring intended for everyday wear, durability should never be sacrificed merely to obtain a larger-looking diamond.

What Does “Eye-Clean” Mean?

“Eye-clean” is a jewelry-trade description rather than an official laboratory grade. It generally means that inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions.

The expression is subjective unless viewing conditions are defined. Visibility can depend on:

• Viewing distance
• Lighting
• Observer’s eyesight
• Diamond size
• Diamond shape
• Location and color of the inclusion
• Whether the diamond is loose or mounted
• Whether it is viewed face-up or from the side

A practical definition is that no distracting inclusions are visible face-up to a person with normal vision at an ordinary viewing distance.

An eye-clean SI1 diamond can look just as clean during normal wear as a VVS diamond. The difference may be apparent only with magnification, while the difference in price can be substantial.

Common Types of Diamond Inclusions

Understanding inclusion names can make a laboratory report easier to interpret. The name alone does not determine whether a characteristic is serious. Its size, position and visibility are more important.

Crystal

A crystal is a mineral crystal enclosed within the diamond. It may appear colorless, white, black, red or another color, depending on its composition.

A small crystal near the edge may be unobtrusive. A dark crystal beneath the table can be easier to see and may have a stronger effect on the clarity grade.

Feather

A feather is a separation or fracture within a diamond. Many feathers are small, stable and visible only under magnification.

A large feather that reaches the surface, particularly near the girdle or a pointed corner, deserves careful examination. Its presence does not automatically mean the diamond is weak, but its size and location can affect durability.

Cloud

A cloud is a group of tiny pinpoints located close together. A small cloud may be harmless and difficult to detect.

Large or dense clouds can reduce transparency and make a diamond appear hazy. If a report states that clarity is based on clouds not shown, the diamond should be evaluated carefully for diminished brilliance or milkiness.

Pinpoint

A pinpoint is a very small crystal visible under magnification as a tiny dot. A single pinpoint usually has little effect, although groups of pinpoints can form a cloud.

Needle

A needle is a slender, elongated crystal inside the diamond. Small needles are often unobtrusive. Larger or strongly contrasting needles may be easier to see.

Twinning Wisp

A twinning wisp is an irregular feature that can contain crystals, pinpoints, clouds or distortions formed during the diamond’s growth.

Twinning wisps are common in certain diamond types. Their effect ranges from insignificant to visible depending on their density, color and position.

Cavity

A cavity is an opening on the diamond’s surface, often created when part of an included crystal is removed during polishing.

A small cavity may have limited importance, while a larger cavity can collect dirt or present durability concerns. Its location should be evaluated before purchasing the diamond.

Chip

A chip is a shallow opening caused after the diamond formed, frequently along the girdle, facet junction or pointed corner.

A chip differs from a natural inclusion because it represents material that has broken away. A chipped diamond should be examined to determine whether repair or recutting is appropriate.

Indented Natural

An indented natural is a portion of the original rough diamond surface that extends below the polished surface.

It is often left near the girdle to preserve weight. A small indented natural can be harmless, but a large one may affect appearance or durability.

Internal Graining

Internal graining results from irregularities in the diamond’s crystal growth. It may appear as lines, curves or reflective areas.

Minor internal graining may be visible only under magnification. Pronounced graining can affect transparency or contribute to the clarity grade.

Why Inclusion Location Matters

An inclusion directly beneath the table is usually more visible than one near the edge. The table acts like a large window into the center of the diamond, while brilliance and reflections near the perimeter can help conceal small characteristics.

Inclusions near the girdle, pointed ends or corners require a different kind of attention. Even when they are not visually distracting, their position can affect durability.

Pear, marquise, heart and princess-cut diamonds have vulnerable points or corners. A feather or cavity in one of these areas should be evaluated carefully and protected by an appropriate prong or bezel.

A well-designed setting can conceal certain edge inclusions, but prongs should not be used to apply pressure directly over a significant fracture. The setter must understand the inclusion’s precise location before mounting the diamond.

How Diamond Shape Affects Clarity

Different diamond shapes conceal inclusions differently.

Round brilliant diamonds have many facets and strong light return, which can help disguise small inclusions. This makes carefully selected VS2 and SI1 round diamonds attractive values.

Cushion, radiant, oval, pear, marquise and heart shapes can also hide inclusions through their brilliant-style facet patterns. However, characteristics may remain visible beneath the table or become concentrated near pointed ends.

Emerald and Asscher cuts have broad, open facets. Their step-cut patterns create a clear view into the stone, making inclusions easier to see. Buyers often prefer VS2 or higher for these shapes, although a carefully selected lower grade can still be attractive.

Antique diamonds, including old European and old mine cuts, should be evaluated individually. Their large facets, small tables and distinctive patterns can either reveal or disguise inclusions depending on their placement.

Learn more in our guide to diamond shapes.

How Diamond Size Affects Clarity

Inclusions generally become easier to see as diamond size increases. A characteristic that is invisible in a one-carat diamond may be more apparent in a three-carat stone of the same clarity grade.

Larger diamonds also have larger facets and a broader viewing area. For diamonds of approximately three carats or more, selecting VS2 or higher may be sensible when an eye-clean appearance is important.

This is not an absolute rule. A clean-looking SI1 can outperform a poorly positioned VS2, so the individual diamond remains more important than a general recommendation.

Can Inclusions Affect Diamond Durability?

Diamond is highly resistant to scratching, but it is not indestructible. It has directional cleavage and can chip when struck in a vulnerable area.

Most small inclusions do not create durability problems. Greater caution is appropriate when a diamond contains:

• A large surface-reaching feather
• A cavity near a vulnerable edge
• A chip along the girdle
• A significant inclusion at a pointed corner
• Extensive inclusions that weaken a large portion of the stone
• Very thin girdle areas near fractures or cavities

The setting should protect vulnerable points while allowing the diamond to be cleaned and inspected. A secure design is especially important for jewelry worn every day.

Clarity and Diamond Brilliance

Clarity and brilliance are related, but they are not the same. Cut quality is normally the principal factor controlling how effectively a diamond returns light.

A transparent SI1 diamond with an excellent cut may appear brighter and more attractive than a VVS diamond with poor proportions. Conversely, numerous clouds or dense inclusions can reduce transparency and interfere with light return.

Do not assume that a high clarity grade guarantees exceptional sparkle. Evaluate cut, transparency, proportions, symmetry and overall appearance together.

Read our diamond cut guide to understand how cutting affects brightness, fire and scintillation.

Clarity Enhancement and Treatments

Some diamonds are treated to reduce the visibility of inclusions. Two important treatments are fracture filling and laser drilling.

Fracture filling introduces a glass-like substance into surface-reaching fractures to make them less visible. The treatment is not permanent and can be damaged by heat, chemicals or repair procedures.

Laser drilling creates a narrow channel that reaches a dark inclusion, allowing it to be removed or lightened. The drilling is permanent, although additional substances used after drilling may not be.

Treatments must be disclosed. A treated diamond should be priced differently from an untreated diamond of comparable apparent clarity, and anyone repairing or cleaning the jewelry should be informed about the treatment.

For an important engagement ring, an untreated diamond with an independent laboratory report is generally the safer and more desirable choice.

Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamond Clarity

Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds can both contain inclusions and growth features. The type of characteristics may provide clues about origin, but determining origin reliably can require specialized laboratory equipment.

IGI continues to issue laboratory-grown diamond reports using familiar color and clarity grades. Its reports clearly identify laboratory-grown origin and may also state the growth method or evidence of post-growth treatment.

Since October 1, 2025, GIA’s current quality-assessment service for eligible colorless-to-near-colorless laboratory-grown diamonds uses overall Premium or Standard classifications instead of the traditional natural-diamond D-to-Z color and clarity terminology. Older GIA laboratory-grown diamond reports remain valid, but their grading format may differ.

Always read the complete report and confirm the report number with the issuing laboratory. The origin—natural or laboratory-grown—must be disclosed clearly.

Learn more in our guide to the best diamond certification laboratories.

How to Read the Clarity Plot

Many diamond reports contain a diagram showing the approximate type and location of clarity characteristics.

Internal characteristics are commonly plotted in red, while blemishes are plotted in green. Symbols in the report’s key identify crystals, feathers, clouds, naturals and other features.

The plot is not a photograph, and it does not necessarily show every microscopic characteristic. It also does not reveal exactly how visible an inclusion will appear in person.

The comments section deserves equal attention. Statements such as “additional clouds are not shown” or “clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown” may indicate characteristics too numerous or widespread to plot individually. Such diamonds should be checked carefully for transparency.

The plot and comments should be treated as diagnostic information—not as substitutes for examining the diamond.

Choosing the Best Clarity for an Engagement Ring

These recommendations are practical starting points rather than strict rules.

For most engagement rings, VS1 and VS2 offer an excellent balance of visual cleanliness and value.

A carefully selected SI1 can be an intelligent purchase when its inclusions are not visible face-up, do not reduce transparency and do not present durability concerns.

VVS, IF and FL diamonds are appropriate for buyers who specifically value rarity or exceptional laboratory grades. They usually do not provide a proportional improvement in visible beauty.

Emerald and Asscher cuts may benefit from a higher clarity grade because their open facets reveal the interior more readily.

Larger diamonds should be inspected more carefully because clarity characteristics become easier to see as the stone’s dimensions increase.

Avoid choosing by grade alone. A clean, bright VS2 may be a better diamond than a cloudy or poorly cut stone with a higher paper grade.

Where to Spend the Diamond Budget

A sensible order of priorities is usually:

1. Choose a well-cut diamond with strong light performance.
2. Confirm that it is transparent and does not appear cloudy or oily.
3. Select a color grade appropriate for the shape and setting metal.
4. Choose the lowest clarity grade that remains visually clean and structurally sound.
5. Verify the diamond with a respected independent laboratory report.
6. Mount it in a secure, well-proportioned setting.

Paying for microscopic perfection makes sense when rarity is personally important. For most buyers, however, an eye-clean diamond allows more of the budget to be invested in size, cut quality or the craftsmanship of the ring.

Choosing a Diamond for an OroSpot Ring

OroSpot creates engagement rings and custom settings in platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Many of our rings feature hand engraving, milgrain, vintage-inspired details and settings made specifically for the selected center diamond.

When evaluating a diamond, we consider more than the clarity abbreviation printed on its report. We examine inclusion type and placement, transparency, durability, cut, proportions and how the stone will interact with the setting.

If you already own a diamond, we can create a setting around its exact dimensions and position the prongs with its characteristics in mind. If you are still choosing a stone, we can help identify a clarity range that provides visible beauty without unnecessary expense.

Explore our engagement rings or read our guide on how to choose a diamond for an engagement ring.