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Diamond clarity is graded on an 11-step scale from FL (flawless) to I3 (included), based on the number, size, position and visibility of inclusions under 10x magnification. The grade that matters to most buyers is the point at which inclusions stop being visible to the naked eye: for round brilliants that is usually VS2, and for step cuts such as emerald and Asscher it is VS1 or higher. Every grade above that buys a certificate, not a visible difference. At Ivana Jewels, every diamond's clarity grade is stated on its IGI or SGL certificate, and most of our solitaires are VS1 to VVS2.
The diamond clarity chart
| Grade | Full name | What it means under 10x | Visible to the naked eye? | Worth paying for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Flawless | No inclusions, no surface blemishes | No | Only as a collector's grade |
| IF | Internally Flawless | No inclusions; minor surface blemishes only | No | Rarely; price premium with no visible return |
| VVS1 | Very Very Slightly Included 1 | Inclusions extremely hard to find even for a grader | No | For large stones (3 carat+) or step cuts |
| VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included 2 | Inclusions very hard to find under 10x | No | For 2 carat+ and emerald cuts |
| VS1 | Very Slightly Included 1 | Minor inclusions, hard to find under 10x | No | The sweet spot for most solitaires |
| VS2 | Very Slightly Included 2 | Minor inclusions, somewhat easy to find under 10x | Almost never in brilliants under 2 carat | Best value for round, oval, pear, cushion |
| SI1 | Slightly Included 1 | Noticeable under 10x | Sometimes, depending on position | Only if inspected on video or in person |
| SI2 | Slightly Included 2 | Easy to see under 10x | Often, especially in larger stones | Not for centre stones |
| I1 to I3 | Included | Obvious under 10x; may affect durability | Yes | No |
What "eye-clean" means
An eye-clean diamond has no inclusions visible to the naked eye from about 15 to 20 cm away, face-up. It is not a certificate grade; it is a practical judgement. In round brilliants, VS2 and above are almost always eye-clean, because the facet pattern scatters light and hides small inclusions. SI1 can be eye-clean if the inclusion sits under a crown facet or near the girdle, and not eye-clean if it sits under the table. That is why an SI1 should be bought from a video or in person, never from the certificate alone.
Clarity by diamond shape
Brilliant cuts (round, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, princess, heart) hide inclusions well. Step cuts (emerald, Asscher, baguette) have large open facets that act like windows and show everything, so they need one grade higher than you would accept in a round. A VS2 round and a VS1 emerald cut look equally clean.
Clarity by carat weight
Inclusions scale with the stone. The same inclusion that is invisible in a 0.5 carat diamond can be visible in a 3 carat one, because the facets are larger and the stone is viewed more closely. As a rule: under 1 carat, VS2 is safe; 1 to 2 carat, VS1 or VS2; 2 to 3 carat, VS1; above 3 carat, VVS2 or better, especially in step cuts.
Clarity and price
Each step up the clarity scale adds to the price of the diamond, and the jump from VS1 to VVS1 is one of the largest while being invisible to the eye. For most buyers, the money saved by choosing VS over VVS buys a larger stone or a higher cut grade, both of which you can see. At Ivana Jewels prices move daily with the gold rate, so the clarity premium shows on each product page as part of the diamond component; the diamond price guide explains how the parts add up.
Clarity in lab grown diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same scale by the same laboratories. Because growth conditions are controlled, high clarity grades are more common and cost less than in mined diamonds, which is why VS1 and VVS2 are the typical grades in Ivana Jewels solitaires rather than SI. Inclusions in lab grown stones look different under magnification: HPHT diamonds can carry tiny metallic inclusions, CVD diamonds occasionally show faint layered graining. Neither affects durability. Read VVS diamonds explained for the top of the scale.
How to read clarity on a certificate
IGI and SGL certificates state the clarity grade and, on full reports, a plotted diagram showing the type and position of each inclusion (crystal, feather, cloud, pinpoint, needle). The plot matters more than the grade: a VS2 with one small crystal near the girdle is cleaner in practice than a VS2 with a cloud under the table. See how to read a diamond certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Which diamond clarity is best?
FL is the highest grade, but VS1 or VS2 is the best choice for most buyers: eye-clean, and the saving goes into carat weight or cut.
Is VS1 or VVS2 better?
VVS2 is one grade higher. Both are eye-clean; you will not see the difference without a loupe. Choose VVS2 for stones above 2 carat or for emerald cuts; otherwise VS1.
Is SI1 clarity good enough?
For a brilliant cut under 1.5 carat, often yes, if the inclusion is away from the table. Check the video or see it in a showroom. For step cuts or larger stones, no.
Do lab grown diamonds have inclusions?
Yes, like mined diamonds, and they are graded the same way. High clarity grades are more common in lab grown stones.
What clarity do Ivana Jewels diamonds have?
Each product page states the grade from the IGI or SGL certificate. Most solitaires are VS1 to VVS2; grades are set per stone, not per collection.
