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Diamond Clarity Chart: Everything to Know Explained
Jessica Pereira | July 30, 2025
Out of all of the 4Cs of diamonds - cut, color, clarity, and carat - clarity is the “C” most obscured to the naked eye.Clarity can play an important role when buying a diamond or buying an engagement ring featuring your lab-grown diamond. Read on to learn more about navigating a diamond clarity chart to find the VRAI created diamond meant just for you.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the visual purity of a diamond and is determined by its number of inclusions and blemishes. Clarity is difficult to notice without the help of a magnifier.
What Is A Diamond Clarity Chart?
Five factors are considered when assigning a diamond’s clarity grade. The size and number of imperfections, their position within the diamond, how they impact its durability, and the noticeable contrast between the imperfections and the diamond itself.
Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore rank highest in clarity grade. There are also Internally Flawless diamonds.
After these high rankings, diamonds are graded as Very, very slightly included or VVS1 and VVS2, as well as Very slightly included, or VS1 and VS2.
For Slightly included diamonds, or SI1 and SI2, flaws can become visible to the naked eye. Imperfect diamonds are rated I1, 12, and 13 for their various degrees of visible inclusion.
Diamond clarity ratings and the clarity scale
FL - Flawless
FL diamonds are Flawless with no internal or external imperfections visible to a skilled grader under 10-power magnification.
IF - Internally flawless
IF diamonds are Internally Flawless but may have small surface blemishes visible under magnification
VVS1 - Very, very slightly included, first degree
VVS diamonds are Very, Very Slightly Included with tiny inclusions that are difficult to see even under magnification. The “1” in this rating puts these particular diamonds at the top of their grade.
VVS2 - Very, very slightly included, second degree
VVS diamonds are Very, Very Slightly Included with tiny inclusions that are difficult to see even under magnification. The “2” in this ranking means that they are just beneath the VVS1 rating.
VS1 - Very slightly included, first degree
VS diamonds are Very Slightly Included with minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to easier (VS2) to see under magnification. The “1” in this rating makes them slightly superior to VS2 diamonds.
VS2 - Very slightly included, second degree
VS diamonds are Very Slightly Included with minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to easier (VS2) to see under magnification. The “2” in this rating puts them just below VSI diamonds.
SI1 - Slightly included, first degree
SI diamonds are “Slightly Included.” Inclusions might not be visible to the naked eye, but are easy to see when under magnification. The “1” in this rating makes them slightly superior to SI2 diamonds.
SI2 - Slightly included, second degree
SI diamonds are “Slightly Included.” Inclusions might not be visible to the naked eye, but are easy to see when under magnification. The “2” in this rating makes them slightly inferior to SI1 diamonds.
How important is clarity in a diamond?
Inclusions occur naturally during the diamond growth process and are what make each diamond unique. The majority of diamonds will have slight inclusions or imperfections. While these imperfections are often invisible to the untrained eye, clarity is still important to the overall brilliance of a diamond.
Diamond clarity and carat weight
The larger surface area of higher carat weight diamonds can make inclusions more visible. Consider increasing clarity grade as you size up in carat weight to maximize brilliance and scintillation. When choosing diamonds smaller in size or carat weight, inclusions are less visible.
Diamond clarity and shape
The facets of brilliant-cut diamond shapes such as the Round Brilliant may tolerate lower clarity grades as they reflect light from a number of angles. Large, rectangular facets of step-cut diamonds, such as Emerald cut diamonds, benefit from a higher clarity grade, as they emphasize transparency.
Frequently asked questions about diamond clarity
The best diamond clarity rating is Flawless (FL). These are the rarest diamonds in the world; less than 0.05% of all diamonds are Flawless or Internally Flawless.
An inclusion is an internal formation of a diamond. Below are examples of inclusions.
- Cavity: An angular opening on the surface of the diamond created by feathering
- Cleavage: A straight crack that can extend to the surface
- Cloud: A group of tiny crystals found inside the diamond
- Crystal: Tiny matter found inside the diamond that can extend to the surface
- Feather: A fracture found inside the diamond extending to the surface
- Internal graining: A white or colored line found inside the diamond.
- Knot: A transparent crystal that extends to the surface
Blemishes are external formations on the surface of a diamond. Below are examples of blemishes.
- Chip: A piece of diamond broken at the surface.
- Nick: A minor surface indentation along perimeter of the surface.
- Pit: A small hole on the surface.
- Polish line: A small groove left on facets after polishing.
- Scratch: A fine line on the surface.
It is not recommended to buy Included diamonds. For this reason, VRAI does not offer diamonds below SI2 on the diamond clarity chart.
Inclusions are caused by either the extreme heat, extreme pressure, or both during the growth process.
Lab-grown diamonds have inclusions, just like mined diamonds. They occur naturally during the growth process.
VS1 diamonds have slightly fewer or smaller inclusions than VS2 diamonds, making them higher on the clarity scale. Both are considered high-quality and eye-clean.
Most VS2 diamonds are not cloudy. However, clarity alone doesn’t determine cloudiness—factors like internal graining can affect transparency.
It’s best to avoid diamonds that appear cloudy to the naked eye, as they may lack brilliance.
VRAI created diamonds are available for purchase online or by appointment.
To purchase online, browse VRAI’s diamond inventory and set filters for clarity, shape, and more. Then simply add to your bag with the click of a button.
For personalized guidance and expert advice on diamond clarity, book an appointment with our diamond experts, in-store or virtually.
How to select diamond clarity
The higher the clarity grade, the more you can expect to pay for a diamond. The best value is found in diamonds with inclusions that can’t be seen under magnification—those at the VS level.
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Jessica Pereira
Jessica Pereira is a fine jewelry expert with over 17 years of experience in sales and client care. Trained by a globally recognized luxury brand, she now combines her industry knowledge with a passion for sustainability, helping clients mark life’s milestones with VRAI created diamonds.