When shopping for a diamond—whether it’s for an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or a timeless pendant—you’ll often hear the term diamond clarity. But what does clarity really mean? And how much does it affect the sparkle, beauty, and value of a diamond?
This in-depth diamond clarity guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the clarity scale, types of inclusions, how clarity impacts price, and tips for choosing the right clarity grade for your budget and lifestyle. By the end, you’ll be able to make a confident decision when buying your diamond.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the absence—or presence—of internal flaws (called inclusions) and external blemishes in a diamond. Because diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure, almost every diamond has some natural imperfections.
- Inclusions: Tiny internal characteristics like crystals, feathers, or clouds trapped inside the diamond.
- Blemishes: Surface-level marks such as scratches or chips.
The fewer and less visible these imperfections, the higher the clarity grade—and usually, the more valuable the diamond.
When jewelers talk about clarity, they are not just describing whether a diamond is “flawless” but how those natural features affect its brilliance, transparency, and beauty.
The Diamond Clarity Scale
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the most widely accepted clarity grading scale. This scale has six categories and 11 clarity grades:
No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare and very expensive.
No internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes. Also very rare.
Inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification. Looks flawless to naked eye.
Inclusions minor, difficult to somewhat easy to see under magnification. Still “eye-clean.”
Inclusions noticeable under magnification, may be visible without in SI2. Popular balance of budget & beauty.
Obvious inclusions that affect brilliance and durability. Often visible to naked eye.
Why Diamond Clarity Matters
- Beauty – A high-clarity diamond has fewer imperfections, so light passes through it more freely, creating more sparkle.
- Value – Rare clarity grades like FL and IF command premium prices.
- Durability – Certain inclusions (like feathers or cavities) can make a diamond more prone to chipping if placed in vulnerable spots.
That said, clarity is only one of the 4Cs of diamonds (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat). In many cases, cut and brilliance matter more to the naked eye than microscopic inclusions.
Types of Diamond Inclusions
- Pinpoints: Tiny white or black crystals inside the diamond.
- Clouds: Groups of pinpoints that can create haziness.
- Feathers: Small cracks that look like feathers.
- Crystals/Minerals: Other minerals trapped inside the diamond.
- Needles: Long, thin inclusions that look like tiny lines.
- Cavities: Small holes on the diamond surface.
Eye-Clean vs. Magnification Clean
One of the biggest misconceptions about clarity is that you need a flawless diamond. The truth is, eye-clean diamonds (those with no visible inclusions to the naked eye) look just as beautiful as flawless diamonds once set in jewelry.
- Eye-clean: SI1 or VS2 often fall into this category, depending on the stone.
- Magnification clean: FL, IF, and VVS diamonds look perfect even under a jeweler’s loupe.
For most buyers, paying extra for magnification-clean clarity offers little visible benefit compared to eye-clean grades.
Diamond Clarity vs. Budget
Clarity has a big impact on price. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- Flawless & Internally Flawless: Highest cost, rare investment diamonds.
- VVS1–VVS2: Still premium priced but unnecessary unless you value rarity.
- VS1–VS2: Best balance of quality and value—eye-clean, sparkly, and affordable.
- SI1–SI2: Great budget-friendly choice; many stones are eye-clean.
- I1–I3: Visible inclusions; not recommended for fine jewelry.
👉 For engagement rings, many buyers choose VS2 or SI1 clarity because the diamond looks clean but costs significantly less.
How Diamond Clarity Affects Sparkle
You might wonder: Does clarity affect how much a diamond sparkles?
The answer: Yes, but only if inclusions block or scatter light. In most cases, cut quality has a bigger impact on sparkle than clarity. A well-cut SI1 diamond can look brighter and more brilliant than a poorly cut VVS1.
Tips for Choosing the Right Clarity Grade
- Prioritize Cut First – A well-cut diamond hides inclusions better and maximizes sparkle.
- Look for Eye-Clean – Don’t pay extra for invisible differences. Choose a diamond that looks clean without magnification.
- Check Inclusion Location – Inclusions near the edge are less noticeable and can be covered by prongs.
- Consider the Diamond Shape – Brilliant cuts hide inclusions better; step cuts (emerald, Asscher) show inclusions more clearly.
- Match Clarity to Setting – Busy settings (halo, pavé) distract from inclusions, while solitaire highlights them.
Final Thoughts: How to Buy a Diamond With the Right Clarity
When choosing a diamond, remember that clarity is important—but not everything. You don’t need a flawless diamond for it to sparkle beautifully. The best clarity grade is often the one that looks perfect to your eyes, fits your budget, and balances well with the other 4Cs.
If you’re shopping online, always check high-resolution images, 360° videos, and certification reports (like GIA or IGI). This ensures you know exactly what clarity you’re buying.
👉 Pro Tip for Buyers: For most engagement rings, a VS2 or SI1 diamond with an excellent cut provides maximum sparkle and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clarity grade is best for an engagement ring?
VS2 or SI1 diamonds are often the best choice—they appear eye-clean and cost much less than flawless diamonds.
Is clarity or cut more important?
Cut is more important. A well-cut diamond sparkles more, even if it has lower clarity.
Can inclusions make a diamond weak?
Yes. Large feathers or cavities in vulnerable spots can reduce durability. Always check a grading report.
Do lab-grown diamonds have inclusions too?
Yes, but they usually have fewer or less noticeable inclusions than natural diamonds.