Clarity Is About What You Cannot See
Diamond clarity grades describe the severity of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface features (blemishes) under 10x magnification. The key insight: you do not wear your diamond under a microscope. What matters is whether inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Here is how to find the clarity sweet spot that delivers beauty without overpaying.
The Clarity Scale
- FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare (less than 1% of diamonds). Premium pricing for microscopic perfection you cannot see with your eyes
- IF (Internally Flawless): No internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes under 10x. Also extremely rare and premium-priced
- VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Inclusions so tiny that a trained grader has difficulty finding them under 10x. Absolutely invisible to the naked eye. Premium pricing for guaranteed microscopic perfection
- VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions visible under 10x but not visible to the naked eye. THE SWEET SPOT for most buyers. Eye-clean with significant savings versus VVS and above
- SI1 (Slightly Included 1): Inclusions visible under 10x and sometimes barely visible to the naked eye depending on the type and location. Many SI1 diamonds are still eye-clean — worth examining individually
- SI2 (Slightly Included 2): Inclusions often visible to the naked eye. Some SI2 diamonds are eye-clean in smaller sizes. Requires careful selection
- I1-I3 (Included): Inclusions visible to the naked eye. Can affect brilliance and durability at I2-I3. Generally not recommended for center diamonds
The Eye-Clean Concept
- "Eye-clean" means no inclusions are visible when you look at the diamond with your naked eye from a normal viewing distance (12+ inches)
- Most VS2 and VS1 diamonds are automatically eye-clean
- Many SI1 diamonds are eye-clean. The type and location of the inclusion determine this
- Eye-clean is all that matters for the wearer. Nobody examines jewelry under magnification in real life
The Sweet Spot
- For round brilliant: VS2 is the sweet spot. The brilliant faceting pattern masks inclusions effectively. Many SI1 round diamonds are also eye-clean
- For step cuts (emerald, Asscher): VS1 or better is recommended. The large open facets make inclusions more visible than in brilliant cuts
- For smaller diamonds (under 0.50 ct): SI1 is often perfectly eye-clean because the diamond is too small for inclusions to be visible
Where to Spend the Savings
If you choose VS2 instead of VVS2, the savings can be significant — 15-25% or more. Invest those savings in better cut quality (the number one factor in sparkle) or a slightly larger carat weight. Both have a bigger visual impact than microscopic clarity differences you will never see.