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Diamond Clarity Scale Explained: Finding Eye-Clean Diamonds

When shopping for a diamond—whether it’s for an engagement ring, a milestone gift, or a timeless addition to your collection—understanding diamond clarity is essential. The diamond clarity scale explained here will help you navigate terms like “VVS1,” “SI1,” and “eye-clean” so you can select a stone that’s both breathtaking and a smart investment.

Clarity directly impacts a diamond’s sparkle, brilliance, and value. While some buyers chase “flawless” grades, many discover that eye-clean diamonds offer exceptional beauty without the premium price tag. Let’s break down the clarity scale, the grading system used by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and how to choose the best clarity grade for your needs.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity measures the presence and visibility of imperfections, known as inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws). Since diamonds are formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth—or in advanced labs for lab-grown diamonds—these tiny marks are almost inevitable.

While some inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, others can affect a diamond’s light performance and appearance. This is why clarity grading is so important when evaluating a stone.

The GIA Diamond Clarity Chart: 11 Grades

The GIA clarity chart has 11 clarity grades grouped into six main categories. These grades are determined by examining the diamond under 10Ă— magnification:

  1. Flawless (FL) – No inclusions or blemishes visible even at 10× magnification. Extremely rare and valuable.
  2. Internally Flawless (IF) – No inclusions visible at 10×, only minor surface blemishes.
  3. Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) – Inclusions are extremely difficult to see under magnification.
  4. Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) – Inclusions are minor and difficult to see without magnification.
  5. Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) – Inclusions are noticeable under magnification and may be visible to the naked eye in SI2. SI1 often offers great value.
  6. Included (I1, I2, I3) – Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency, brilliance, and durability.

Related blog read now: GIA diamond color scale.

What Does “Eye-Clean” Mean?

An eye-clean diamond is one where inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, even though they may exist under magnification. This is a key factor for many buyers—because if you can’t see an inclusion without a jeweler’s loupe, why pay a significant premium for a higher grade?

Eye-clean status often applies to:

  • VS1 and VS2 diamonds
  • Many SI1 diamonds (especially with strategic placement of inclusions)
  • Occasionally VVS diamonds, though these are usually purchased for investment or prestige

If you’re buying a 4 carat diamond ring, for example, clarity plays an even bigger role because inclusions can be more visible in larger stones. 

VVS vs VS Clarity: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between VVS and VS clarity comes down to priorities:

  • VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) – Ultra-rare, with inclusions nearly impossible to detect even under magnification. Ideal for collectors and investors.
  • VS (Very Slightly Included) – Still incredibly clean to the eye but offers better value. Many VS1 diamonds appear identical to VVS to the naked eye.

For engagement rings, VS1 and VS2 clarity often strike the perfect balance between beauty and budget.

The Best Clarity for Engagement Rings

When buying an engagement ring, clarity should be chosen alongside cut, color, and carat weight for the best overall appearance. Most jewelers recommend:

  • VS1 or VS2 for larger stones (2 carats+)
  • SI1 for smaller stones where inclusions are less noticeable
  • VVS1 or IF if budget is not a constraint and rarity is a priority

For couples exploring ethical and cost-effective options, lab-created diamonds can offer higher clarity grades at lower prices. 

Read more: lab-created diamonds.

How Clarity Impacts Sparkle

Clarity affects sparkle in two ways:

  1. Light Obstruction – Large inclusions can block light from passing through the diamond.
  2. Light Scattering – Tiny inclusions can scatter light, reducing brilliance.

However, once inclusions are small enough to be invisible to the naked eye, clarity has minimal effect on sparkle—cut quality becomes the dominant factor.

Common Types of Diamond Inclusions

When viewing a diamond’s grading report or magnified images, you may encounter terms like:

  • Feathers – Small fractures inside the diamond
  • Clouds – Groups of tiny inclusions that create a hazy area
  • Crystals – Minerals trapped inside the diamond
  • Needles – Thin, needle-like inclusions
  • Pinpoints – Tiny white or black dots

Understanding these inclusion types will help you assess how they impact beauty and durability.

SI1 Clarity: A Smart Value Choice

For many buyers, SI1 clarity is the sweet spot. These diamonds can appear eye-clean, especially in certain shapes like round or princess cuts. The cost savings over VS grades can be reinvested in a higher carat weight or better cut.

How to Choose the Right Clarity Grade

  1. Set Your Priorities – Decide whether beauty, rarity, or investment value is most important.
  2. Review the Diamond in Person – Whenever possible, see the diamond in natural light.
  3. Ask for Magnified Images – Especially when shopping online.
  4. Focus on Eye-Clean – You’ll get maximum beauty for your budget.

Bringing It All Together

The diamond clarity scale explained in this guide shows that you don’t need a flawless diamond to have a flawless-looking stone. For most buyers, the smartest choice is finding an eye-clean diamond in the VS or SI range, especially when paired with an excellent cut and desirable color grade.When you’re ready to find your perfect diamond, our experts at 4 Carat Diamond can guide you through every detail—from GIA certification to selecting the ideal clarity grade for your style and budget.