Diamond Clarity Scale
Complete guide to diamond clarity from flawless to included. Learn how natural characteristics affect beauty and value.
Diamond Clarity Scale
The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Fewer inclusions means higher value.
Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification
Internally Flawless
No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, only minor surface blemishes
Very Very Slightly Included 1
Minute inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification
Very Very Slightly Included 2
Minute inclusions very difficult to see under 10x magnification
Very Slightly Included 1
Minor inclusions difficult to see under 10x magnification
Very Slightly Included 2
Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification
Slightly Included 1
Noticeable inclusions easy to see under 10x magnification
Slightly Included 2
Noticeable inclusions easy to see under 10x magnification
Included 1
Obvious inclusions visible to naked eye
Included 2
Prominent inclusions easily visible to naked eye
Included 3
Very prominent inclusions affecting durability and transparency
Types of Inclusions
Understanding different types of inclusions helps you evaluate diamond clarity and value.
Crystals
Mineral crystals trapped inside diamond during formation
Feathers
Internal fractures or breaks in diamond structure
Clouds
Group of tiny crystals creating hazy appearance
Needles
Long, thin crystal inclusions
Knots
Crystal reaching diamond surface
Cavities
Holes or indentations in diamond
Understanding "Eye-Clean"
"Eye-clean"means inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. This is more important than the technical grade.
Eye-Clean Grades
Flawless
Perfectly eye-clean
Internally Flawless
Perfectly eye-clean
Very Very Slight
Always eye-clean
Very Slight
Always eye-clean
Slight Included 1
Usually eye-clean
May Show Inclusions
Slight Included 2
May show inclusions
Included 1
Visible inclusions
Included 2
Very visible
Included 3
Very visible
Expert Tip: SI1 diamonds offer the best value - they're usually eye-clean but cost significantly less than VS grades. Always ask if the diamond is eye-clean when buying SI grades.
Expert Clarity Tips
Professional advice for choosing the perfect diamond clarity grade.
SI1 is Sweet Spot
SI1 diamonds are usually eye-clean but cost 20-30% less than VS grades. Best value for most buyers.
Don't Overpay for Perfection
FL and IF grades are extremely expensive. VS1-VS2 look identical to naked eye at much lower cost.
Consider Diamond Size
Inclusions are more visible in larger diamonds. Higher clarity may be more important for larger stones.
Setting Can Hide Inclusions
Prong settings can hide small inclusions better than bezel settings.
Find Your Perfect Clarity
Use your clarity knowledge to select diamonds with the perfect balance of beauty and value.