Quick Read: What You’ll Learn
- 01The 11 clarity grades→
- 02What matters: the naked-eye test→
- 03Price impact (1ct lab-grown, G, EX cut, 14K solitaire)→
- 04Clarity by shape→
- 05Inclusion placement matters as much as grade→
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Diamond clarity is the most misunderstood of the 4 Cs. Most buyers spend too much on it because they do not know where the visual threshold actually sits.
Key takeaway
The eye-clean threshold is between VS2 and SI1 for most stones, closer to SI1 for round brilliants and VS1 for step-cut shapes. Grades above VS1 (VVS, IF, FL) are invisible luxury premiums. Clarity sweet spot: VS2 for round/cushion/oval, VS1 for emerald/asscher, SI1 for brilliant-cut shapes with favorable inclusion placement.
The 11 clarity grades
Clarity grades, loupe-level description
- FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes under 10x. Extremely rare.
- IF (Internally Flawless): Surface blemishes only, no internal inclusions.
- VVS1: Inclusions extremely difficult to see at 10x.
- VVS2: Inclusions very difficult to see at 10x.
- VS1: Inclusions minor and difficult to see at 10x.
- VS2: Inclusions minor but somewhat easier to identify at 10x.
- SI1: Inclusions noticeable at 10x but usually invisible to naked eye.
- SI2: Inclusions noticeable at 10x, sometimes visible to naked eye.
- I1: Inclusions typically visible to naked eye.
- I2-I3: Inclusions obvious and may affect brilliance.
What matters: the naked-eye test
Clarity grading uses a 10x loupe. Normal viewing is no magnification. The question that matters: can I see any inclusions without a loupe at normal distance?
For most round brilliants and cushions, the answer is no for any grade FL through SI1. VS2 is the reliable eye-clean floor. SI1 usually passes eye-clean. SI2 sometimes does, sometimes not. I1 and below typically have visible inclusions.
Price impact (1ct lab-grown, G, EX cut, 14K solitaire)
$1,100
SI1 clarity
$1,350
VS2 clarity
$1,550
VS1 clarity
$1,850
VVS2 clarity
$2,050
VVS1 clarity
$2,400
IF clarity
SI1 to VS2: ~23% price increase. VS2 to VVS1: another ~35%. VVS1 to FL: another ~20%. Most of that money buys invisible differences.
Clarity by shape
Round brilliant: SI1 floor, VS2 target
57 facets break up light and hide inclusions well. SI1 typically eye-clean.
Cushion, oval, pear, marquise, radiant: SI1 floor, VS2 target
Modified brilliant cuts hide inclusions well. Same as round.
Princess: VS2 floor, VS1 target
Sharp corners can catch the eye. Verify inclusion placement away from corners.
Emerald, asscher: VS1 floor, VVS2 target
Step-cuts have large flat facets with no brilliant sparkle to break up light. Inclusions show clearly. Never go below VS1.
Inclusion placement matters as much as grade
When asking about SI1 clarity
- Ask for the plot diagram from the grading report
- Inclusions near girdle: typically covered by prongs, very forgiving
- Inclusions dead-center of the table: hardest to hide
- Dark crystal inclusions: more visible than light feathers
- Ask for high-resolution photos
What you cannot see without a loupe
Always invisible to naked eye:
- Pinpoints: Microscopic crystals.
- Small feathers: Thin internal fractures.
- Small clouds: Groups of pinpoints.
- Needles: Thin, straight white crystals.
Visible at lower grades:
- Large feathers: Visible at I1 and below.
- Dark crystals: Visible at SI2 and below.
- Chips/breaks: Visible at I1 and below.
When to spend more on clarity
Upgrade clarity when
- Buying emerald, asscher, or other step-cut
- The specific SI1 has poorly-placed inclusions
- Budget is genuinely not a constraint
Do NOT upgrade clarity when
- Buying round, oval, cushion, or other brilliant-cut
- Budget is limited and money could upgrade cut or carat
- The SI1 or VS2 is eye-clean on inspection
Find your clarity sweet spot
All Diavlia diamonds are IGI-certified with clarity grade, inclusion plot, and laser-inscribed girdle.
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FAQs
What clarity is best for an engagement ring?
VS2 for round/cushion/oval, VS1 for emerald/asscher, SI1 for budget-conscious buyers of brilliant cuts.
Is SI1 diamond clarity good?
Yes for brilliant-cut shapes. Verify inclusion placement is favorable.
What does eye-clean mean?
No inclusions visible to naked eye at normal viewing distance (8–12 inches).
Is VVS better than VS?
Technically yes, but the difference is invisible without a loupe. At 20–35% premium for invisible upgrade, not typically worth it.
What is the worst clarity to avoid?
I1, I2, I3. Inclusions visible to naked eye, often affecting brilliance.
Related reading
Last updated: April 2026.
