Diamond clarity
Clarity refers to the visibility, number and size of inclusions in a diamond. Diamonds with fewer inclusions receive higher grades, and higher prices. The question that matters: can you see them?
The scale, quickly
Clarity runs from Flawless (FL) through Internally Flawless (IF), VVS1–VVS2, VS1–VS2, SI1–SI2, down to Included (I1–I3). Everything from VS2 up is graded on inclusions visible only under 10x magnification: a loupe, not an eye.
"Eye-clean" is the grade that matters
A stone is eye-clean when no inclusions are visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance. Many SI1 stones, and some SI2s, are perfectly eye-clean, at a fraction of the price of a VVS stone that looks identical on the hand. But it must be judged stone by stone: two SI1s can differ enormously depending on where the inclusion sits.
This is why we check every stone under magnification and in real light before recommending it, and show you exactly what the certificate is describing.
When higher clarity is worth it
Step-cut shapes like emerald and Asscher cuts have large open facets that hide nothing, they genuinely benefit from higher clarity. For brilliant cuts, the sparkle itself conceals minor inclusions, and the smart money usually stops at eye-clean.