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What Diamond Clarity Is Best? Full Clarity Scale & Buying Guide

The 1916 Company3 Min ReadFeb 28 2024

The best diamond clarity is FL (Flawless)—a rare grade that represents approximately 1% of all diamonds. FL diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, making them the most pristine and highly valued stones in the world. Their rarity and perfection make them the top choice for the finest fine jewelry and luxury engagement rings. If you are new to diamond buying, you may want to start with our complete guide to diamonds to better understand how clarity fits into the 4 Cs.

What Are Inclusions in Diamonds?

Inclusions are internal imperfections in a diamond, while blemishes are external surface flaws. Both affect the clarity grade. Diamonds are evaluated under 10x magnification, and the fewer imperfections present, the higher the clarity rating. Some clarity grades—like VVS—have inclusions that are difficult to spot even for trained graders, while others, like SI2 or I1, may have visible imperfections to the naked eye.

Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

Below is the full clarity scale, from highest to lowest, along with descriptions to help you choose the right balance of beauty and value. For even more insight into how light interacts with clarity, see our guide on diamond brilliance.

GradeFull NameDescriptionVisibility of Inclusions
FLFlawlessNo blemishes or inclusions visible at 10x magnification; rarest clarity grade.None visible under 10x or to the naked eye.
IFInternally FlawlessNo inclusions; may have minor surface blemishes visible under 10x.No inclusions visible; minor blemishes under 10x.
VVS1 & VVS2Very, Very Slightly IncludedMinute inclusions extremely difficult to detect under 10x.Not visible to the naked eye.
VS1 & VS2Very Slightly IncludedMinor inclusions visible under 10x but not distracting.Not visible to the naked eye.
SI1 & SI2Slightly IncludedInclusions noticeable under 10x; SI2 may have visible flaws without magnification.SI1 usually eye-clean; SI2 may show inclusions to the naked eye.
I1, I2, I3IncludedObvious inclusions under 10x and often to the naked eye; reduced durability and brilliance.Visible without magnification.

Choosing the Right Clarity Grade

While FL is the best clarity grade, it is not always necessary to achieve a beautiful diamond. Many buyers choose grades between IF and VS2, which offer exceptional beauty at a lower cost. At The 1916 Company, we only offer diamonds in the FL to VS2 range for our bridal jewelry, ensuring every stone meets our exceptional quality standards.

Consider the 4 Cs

Clarity is just one of the 4 Cs—cut, color, carat weight, and clarity—that define a diamond’s quality. In many cases, cut and brilliance have a greater visual impact than clarity. Visit us today to see different clarity grades side by side and let our experts help you find a diamond that balances clarity with other factors for the best overall appearance.