Diamond Clarity Chart: VVS, VS, SI and I Grades Explained
A diamond clarity chart turns confusing grading codes like VVS, VS and SI into a simple visual ranking you can actually use. Clarity measures the tiny natural inclusions inside a diamond, and those grades have a big effect on price. However, most flaws are invisible without magnification, so you rarely need the top of the scale. This guide explains every grade and points you to the smartest one to buy.
Quick answer: A diamond clarity chart ranks stones from Flawless (FL) down through VVS, VS, SI and I based on inclusions. The best value is an “eye-clean” grade — usually VS2 or SI1 — where flaws are invisible to the naked eye but the price is far lower than flawless.
Key takeaways
- Scale: the diamond clarity chart runs FL, IF, VVS1–2, VS1–2, SI1–2 and I1–3.
- Eye-clean is the real goal, not flawless — most VS and SI1 stones qualify.
- Value peaks at VS2 and SI1 for nearly all shapes and sizes.
- Shape matters: step cuts like emerald show inclusions more than brilliants.
What is a diamond clarity chart?
A diamond clarity chart is the grading scale gemologists use to describe how clean a diamond is inside and out. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (surface marks) that form as the crystal grows. The Gemological Institute of America created the standard scale, which has eleven grades. Because every natural diamond forms under heat and pressure, almost all contain some inclusions. As a result, a perfectly flawless stone is extremely rare and commands a steep premium. Understanding the chart helps you see where price stops buying visible beauty and starts buying invisible perfection.
The diamond clarity chart grades explained
The scale moves from cleanest to most included. Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) show no inclusions under 10x magnification. Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) have minute flaws that even experts struggle to find. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) have small inclusions visible under magnification but rarely to the eye. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) flaws are easier to spot under a loupe, and SI2 can sometimes be visible. Finally, Included (I1–I3) stones have obvious inclusions that may affect sparkle and durability.
VVS vs VS vs SI at a glance
For everyday buyers, the meaningful divide is between grades that are eye-clean and those that are not. VVS and VS are reliably clean; SI1 usually is; SI2 and below need checking case by case. Spending more to climb from VS to VVS buys perfection you will never see without a loupe. For that reason, the diamond clarity chart is most useful for telling you where to stop, not how high to reach.
What does eye-clean mean on a diamond clarity chart?
Eye-clean means a diamond shows no inclusions visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance. This is the practical target for most shoppers, because no one inspects your ring with a microscope. In short, you get the look of a flawless stone without the flawless price. A VS2 or SI1 diamond is typically eye-clean, yet it can cost a fraction of an FL stone of the same size. For that reason, smart buyers shop for eye-clean rather than chasing the top of the chart. Keep in mind that eye-clean is not a guaranteed grade but a property you confirm on each individual stone. Two SI1 diamonds can differ: one may hide its inclusions perfectly while another shows a faint speck, so always look before you buy.
How clarity affects price and value
Clarity has a powerful effect on cost because rarity drives diamond pricing. Each step up the diamond clarity chart raises the price, often sharply near the top. However, the visual payoff disappears well before the top grades. Because VS2 and SI1 stones look identical to flawless without magnification, they offer the best balance of beauty and budget. The savings can then be redirected into a better cut or a larger carat weight, both of which you actually notice. The table below shows where value concentrates.
| Grade | What you see | Value verdict |
|---|---|---|
| FL / IF | Flawless under 10x | Rare; premium price |
| VVS1–VVS2 | Eye-clean, near-perfect | Beautiful but pricey |
| VS1–VS2 | Eye-clean | Excellent value |
| SI1 | Usually eye-clean | Best value |
| SI2 / I1 | May show inclusions | Inspect carefully |
Does diamond shape change the clarity you need?
Yes, shape matters more than many buyers expect. Brilliant cuts such as round, oval and cushion scatter light through many facets, which helps hide small inclusions. As a result, you can often choose SI1 or even SI2 safely in these shapes. Step cuts like emerald and Asscher, however, act like clear windows, so inclusions are easier to spot. For those shapes, aim a little higher on the diamond clarity chart, around VS2, to stay reliably eye-clean and keep that open, glassy look pristine.
How to use a diamond clarity chart when buying
Start by setting eye-clean as your minimum standard rather than a specific grade. Then review the stone’s plotted diagram on its grading report to see where inclusions sit. Inclusions near the edge are easier to hide under a prong than those in the center. Whenever possible, view high-resolution photos or video at magnification before buying. Finally, always insist on an independent report from a trusted lab so the clarity grade is objective and verifiable, not just a seller’s claim.
What is the best clarity grade for value?
SI1 generally offers the best value because it is usually eye-clean yet costs far less than higher grades. VS2 is a safe step up for step cuts or buyers who want extra assurance that no inclusions are visible.
Can you see inclusions in a VS2 diamond?
Almost never with the naked eye. VS2 inclusions are small and require 10x magnification to spot. That is why VS2 is considered reliably eye-clean across nearly every diamond shape and size on the market.
Is SI2 clarity a good buy?
SI2 can be a good buy, but only if you verify it is eye-clean first. Some SI2 stones show visible inclusions, so always check magnified photos or the plotted report diagram before committing to one.
What does FL mean on a diamond clarity chart?
FL stands for Flawless, the highest grade. An FL diamond shows no inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. These stones are extremely rare and carry a large price premium that most buyers do not need to pay.
Do inclusions affect a diamond’s durability?
Usually not, but large inclusions in the lowest I grades can. A big feather or crack near the surface may weaken the stone. In the FL through SI range, inclusions are too small to affect durability.
Does clarity matter more than cut?
No. Cut has the biggest impact on sparkle, so it should be your top priority. Clarity only needs to reach eye-clean. Spending on clarity beyond that point adds cost without adding visible beauty.
Educational guide by Camellia Jewelry — handcrafted vintage & nature-inspired engagement rings since 2010.
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