Diamond clarity
Clarity
A diamond's clarity is measured by the existence, or absence, of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions -- even those seen only under magnification with a jeweler's loupe -- can alter the brilliance of the diamond and, thus, effect its value.
Clarity levels begin with Flawless (F & IF) and move down to Very Very Slight (VVS1 & 2), Very Slight (VS1 & 2), Slightly Included (SI1 & 2), and Included (I1, 2 & 3).
| FL, IF Diamonds | Flawless: No internal or external flaws Internally Flawless: No internal flaws |
| VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds | Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10% magnification. |
| VS1, VS2 Diamonds | Very Slightly included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye, |
| SI1, SI2 Diamonds | Slightly included: Inclusions are visible under 10× magnification and may be visible to the unaided eye. |
| I1, I2, I3 Diamonds | Included: Inclusions are visible with the unaided eye. |
