Diamond's Clarity Grades and the Clarity Scale

Diamonds are natural gemstones. Like anything in Nature, there are diamonds that are full of blemishes, diamonds that are basically flawless, and everything in between.

The term diamond clarity refers to the amount of internal and external inclusions of the diamond compared to its overall appearance.

Every stone is analyzed and then graded based on the GIA clarity grading system. Unlike the color scale, which is entirely different between colorless and fancy color diamonds, it is the very same clarity grading scale used for both.

It is divided into six categories, some of which have several clarity grades. Below is the clarity scale complete with all of the various clarity grades.

FL – Flawless

A stone that is completely flawless. This is an extremely rare find.

IF – Internally Flawless

A stone that has no internal flaws at all but does have surface flaws. Also, an extremely rare find.

VVS1/VVS2 – Very Very Slight Inclusion

A stone with very small internal inclusions. These inclusions can only be determined with a X30 magnification.

VS1/VS2 – Very Slight Inclusion

A stone with very small internal inclusions. These inclusions can be determined with a X10 magnification.

SI1/SI2 – Slight Inclusion

A stone that has slight inclusions that can be determined with a X10 magnification.

I1/I2/I3 (P1/P2/P3) - Inclusion or Pique

A stone that has inclusions most often visible with the naked eye. Inclusions of this level drastically bring down the diamonds value.