When a diamond is graded according to its clarity, a gemologist will inspect the diamond for inclusions (in the diamond) and blemishes (on the diamond’s surface). These inclusions and blemishes can occur in any number and any size. The gemologist will also inspect the color of the inclusions (white, gray, or black), their relative location, orientation and visibility. They will then come up with a diamond clarity grade for the diamond as it is viewed under 10x’s magnification.
Diamond Clarity Grades, ‘Eye-Clean’, and ‘Prongable’
The gemologist assesses the diamond on the basis of the most noticeable inclusions or “grade setting inclusions”. This means that less significant inclusions are ignored when setting the clarity grade, but they may be included on a diamond’s plot diagram.
A diamond’s clarity grade is always based on 10x’s magnification. Many people don’t realize this. This is in fact how GIA and AGS grade clarity in a diamond. A diamond with no inclusions or blemishes is considered Flawless. These diamonds are extremely rare. It is more common to find internally flawless, which is when the diamond may have some external blemishes or polishing marks but no internal inclusions. Diamonds with these clarity grades are often purchased for investment or personal collection.
Next we give a clarity grade of VVS1 or VVS2 to diamonds where we can just barely see inclusions under 10x’s magnification. Even with a jewelers loupe it is very very difficult to see any inclusions. Many labs use higher magnification in order to plot these miniscule inclusions accurately. These diamonds are absolutely 100% eye-clean.
A VS1 and VS2 is still very difficult to find and locate inclusions under 10x’s magnification. Diamonds with these clarity grades are a great way to save cash while ensuring that your diamond will still be eye-clean.
SI1 and SI2 clarity graded diamonds have inclusions that are easier to detect using 10x’s magnification. However, these clarity grades are not necessarily eye-clean. Each diamond must be evaluated on it’s own personal merit.
Finally, we have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye without any magnification at all, and these are graded I1 to I3. ODBA’s diamond search goes as low as I1 because diamonds that are I2 and lower can sometimes have durability or structural integrity risks which are better off seen and evaluated in person.
Although very reputable labs such as GIA or AGS have stringent criteria for assessing a diamond’s clarity grade, this process is a human process and is therefore ultimately subjective. Each diamond is unique and therefore one SI1 isn’t the same as another SI1. That is why magnified diamond images are helpful in discovering where an inclusion lies and if it is satisfactory to an individual. Everyone has their own tolerances of what they consider acceptable.
It is important to understand that most inclusions in gem-quality diamonds DO NOT affect it’s performance or structural integrity. The only two issues to concern yourself with would be either: large feathers on or near the girdle or reaching the surface, as these may have a higher propensity to fracture. Large clouds (clouds are clusters of tiny pinpoints that can appear exactly as they are named; cloudy) can also affect how a diamond transmits and scatters light, therefore making the stone look fuzzy.
SI2 Diamond on the left, Cloudy I1 Diamond on the Right (cloud covers more than 2/3 of the diamond) – It is important to note that the diamond on the right was originally graded as VS2 from a Middle East Lab with an unknown certificate.
In the diamond industry, a diamond may have any of the following:
Internal Inclusions – internal inclusions: crystal, cloud, bruise, twinning wisp, cleavage, cavity, knot, indented natural, pinpoint, feather, needle, chip, bearding, internal graining, and laser drill hole
External Blemishes – natural, surface grain line, polishing line, extra facet, and scratch
And the above inclusions/blemishes are then graded according to the following clarity grades:
Diamond Clarity Grades
- F
Flawless: No internal or external flaws visible under 10x. Extremely rare. - IF
Internally Flawless: no internal flaws, but some surface blemishes under 10x. Very rare. - VVS1-VVS2
Very Very Slightly Included, diamonds have minute inclusions that are very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x. These usually include pinpoints and needles. - VS1-VS2
Very Slightly Included, diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult to somewhat easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x. These inclusions are typically invisible without any magnification. However, sometimes some VS inclusions may still be visible to the naked eye depending on the diamond’s cut and where the inclusion is located. - SI1-SI2
Slightly Included, minute inclusions that are easy to locate and see when viewed under 10x magnification. These may or may not be noticeable to the naked eye. - I1-I2-I3
Included, obvious inclusions that are visible to a trained grader under 10x magnification. Some diamonds have inclusions that are visible without magnification or have inclusions that threaten the durability of the diamond.
The only difference to the above grades is with reference to AGS or The American Gem Society. This lab grades clarity on a number scale between 0 and 10. There are some minor difference to the GIA scale referred to above. For example, the flawless and internally flawless (grade 0) are grouped together, with a difference being whether a diamond is free from external flaws. The VVS through SI grades are numbered 1 through 6. The I grade is numbered 7-10.
Most seem to think that clarity grade affects brilliance or sparkle. However, this isn’t the case as I have already mentioned above. It is a diamond’s cut that determines overall brilliance and light reflection. Inclusions aren’t ‘bad’ but rather they are what make a diamond uniquely yours.
What’s An ‘Eye-Clean’ Diamond?
Eye-clean diamonds are an industry term used to define diamonds that have inclusions that aren’t visible to the naked eye usually from 10-12 inches when looking straight down into the diamond’s crown. You’ll want to evaluate a particular stone’s clarity based on the following 6 areas:
#1. Your Eyesight
#2. Lighting
#3. Nature of the inclusion(s)
#4. Where the inclusion is located on/in the diamond
#5. Size of the inclusion
#6. Face up view (when looking straight down at diamond) and pavilion or side view
The following pictures are representative of some of the available diamonds found on JamesAllen.com. Keep in mind that all diamonds are unique so this diamond clarity chart is to be used as a general educational guide to help you understand how diamonds are graded for clarity and what is acceptable to buy. Obviously some diamonds are acceptable as “eye-clean“stones and some are clearly not. Each actual diamond picture is magnified.
Diamond Clarity Chart
Not An Eye-Clean I1 Diamond
A .70ct G with I1 clarity diamond. The dark crystal inclusions are clearly visible without any magnification.
Eye-Clean or “Prongable” I1 Diamond
A .51ct G with I1clarity. In this example the inclusion is a large white/grayish feather that is primarily located under the star and kite facets. This inclusion may be acceptable to some as the inclusion is gray to white and can be covered by a prong in a jewelry setting.
Not An Eye-Clean SI2 Diamond
A .74ct K with SI2 clarity. The inclusions are black and gray crystals that are easy to see under the entire crown of the diamond.
Eye-Clean SI2 Diamond
A 1.01ct with SI2 clarity. This is a perfect example of an “eye clean” stone. Can you see the inclusions?
Not An Eye-Clean SI1 Diamond
A 1.08ct with SI1 clarity. There is just one noticeable dark crystal under the table, and for this reason it has been given an SI1 clarity grade.
Eye-Clean SI1 Diamond
Somewhat Eye-Clean VS2 Diamond
A 1.11ct F with VS2 clarity. The inclusion is under the table facet. For a very small group of people, this diamond may not be eye-clean, although this would be rare.
As you can see from the magnified pictures of actual diamonds above, clarity grades can vary wildly depending on the aforementioned six areas. Laboratories have specific criteria for clarity grading which depends on a diamonds inclusions (white, gray, or black), their relative location, orientation and visibility.
As demonstrated above, you can find a reasonably good I1 diamond and a great eye-clean SI2 diamond. On the other hand, you cannot always depend on a VS2 being completely eye-clean as it can depend on the type of inclusion and where it is located. So in other words, always ask the diamond retailer if the diamond is eye-clean and what kind of inclusions are in/on the diamond.
‘Prongable’ Diamonds
Some people have very limited budgets and want to buy an excellent quality stone but can compromise a little on other characteristics in order to save even more money. In these cases, diamonds with a visible inclusion are sometimes considered “prongable” when the inclusion can be easily covered by a jewelry setting prong. In the examples above, the prongable I1 diamond would be a perfect example of this.
You don’t need to buy a diamond that has a very high clarity grade in order to purchase a beautifully stunning diamond. Remember, cut grade is what determines brilliance and sparkle.
If you are ready to get some diamond recommendations, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy Diamond Buying!
FAQs
“Slightly Included” (SI) is on the lower end of the range and has two subdivisions. SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions. This doesn't mean that SI clarity diamonds are a poor choice. In fact, most SI1 clarity diamonds will look just as good as a higher clarity diamond.
Is SI1 or VS2 better? ›
On the GIA's diamond grading scale an SI1 clarity grade is one level worse than a VS2 clarity grade, but an SI1 diamond may not always look worse than a VS2 diamond - it all depends on the types of inclusions and their locations.
Which diamond is better VS2 or SI2? ›
SI2 diamonds tend to have more imperfections and more noticeable inclusions than better grades like SI1 and VS2, but sometimes you can find an eye-clean stone. If you can find an eye-clean SI2 diamond, you'll get the most for your budget.
Which diamond clarity is better SI1 or SI2? ›
The main criteria in choosing between SI1 and SI2 all boils down to price and quality. Let's say, both gems have the same price and cut; in general, SI1 diamonds are clearer, but SI2 are cheaper. But still, some SI1 stones may have inclusions visible without loupe, and there are SI2 diamonds that are eye clean.
Which diamond is better VS or SI? ›
For most people, VS2 is the sweet spot. Diamonds that are graded VS2 have a few more minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy to see for a skilled diamond grader using 10x magnification. Generally VS2 diamonds will have many tiny inclusions or one or two larger inclusions.
Is there a big difference between SI1 and SI2? ›
The main difference between SI1 and SI2 clarity lies in the visibility of inclusions: They are more easily noticeable in SI2 stones than in ones graded SI1. The reason for this difference is that SI2 inclusions are, on average, bigger and more numerous than those in SI1 stones.
Do SI1 diamonds sparkle? ›
SI diamonds are very popular because even though they may have clarity characteristics that are eye-visible, it's not terribly distracting from sparkle. To the naked eye, diamond sparkle is slightly impacted and light performance is still quite high.
Which is better VS1 or SI2? ›
Theoretically, the difference between SI1 and VS2 diamonds is that SI1 diamonds are more included than VS2 diamonds. But sometimes an SI1 can be a better choice than a VS2 diamond, because the inclusions are less noticeable or they're in a place that's hidden by your setting or the prongs holding it.
Is SI1 or VS1 better? ›
With the other characteristics of the diamonds being identical, the SI1 diamond is 20% cheaper. Both diamonds are eye-clean, but if you choose the VS1 diamond, you'll pay ~$700 more. As shown in the example, an SI1 diamond can save you a good chunk of your budget. But choosing an SI1 diamond isn't always a good move.
Which diamond clarity is best? ›
The highest clarity rating for diamonds is Flawless (F). Flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10X magnification when examined by a qualified diamond grader.
Diamonds with a VS2 clarity grade offer you the best balance of beauty and affordability. We think they are the best diamond value. Buying a diamond that has a lower clarity grade but still no eye-visible inclusions will leave more money in your budget to buy a larger, more beautifully cut diamond.
What is best diamond quality? ›
Flawless is the top grade in the GIA Clarity Grading System. Diamonds graded Flawless don't have visible inclusions or blemishes when examined under 10-power (10X) magnification by a skilled and experienced grader.
Is color or clarity more important in a diamond? ›
In Conclusion
Color and clarity both play major roles in how a diamond will look. A diamond with a poor clarity grade may look dirty, with visible inclusions and blemishes. However, beyond the point at which a diamond becomes eye-clean, it's not worth paying extra for a higher clarity grade.
Is I1 diamond clarity good? ›
I1 diamonds fall on the low end of the Clarity scale. Clarity refers to the blemishes and inclusions present in the stone. Third-party labs, like the GIA, give out clarity grades when they issue a report for a diamond. For I1 diamonds, you can easily see imperfections with 10X magnification and with the naked eye.
What's more important color or clarity? ›
The color grade is more important than the clarity grade because cushion-cut diamonds tend to retain a lot of color. If you don't want any hints of color, look for a cushion cut diamond with a color grade of H or above.
Can SI diamonds pass diamond tester? ›
Will SI diamonds pass a diamond tester? Yes, most definitely. SI diamonds and most included diamonds pass a diamond tester. They have the same thermal conductivity as diamonds and produce the same result when tested.
How can you tell real diamonds from eyes? ›
A sparkle test is quick and easy to do since all you need are your eyes. Simply hold your diamond under a normal lamp and observe the bright shimmers of light bouncing off the diamond. A real diamond provides an exceptional sparkle since it reflects white light extremely well.
Is VS or VVS better? ›
Clarity grade is based on all characteristics of the inclusions, not just the quantity. VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) diamonds are a grade better than VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds. VS diamonds (both VS1 and VS2) contain a small number of inclusions when the diamond is viewed under 10x magnification.
Are SI1 and SI2 diamonds real? ›
SI1 and SI2 stones are ones that are significantly cheaper than VS and VVS diamonds but – when chosen carefully – can still be eye-clean. And since, for most people, the driving factor of clarity is that the diamond should be eye-clean, this makes SI1 and SI2 the ideal ranges for a budget purchase.
Can an SI2 diamond be eye clean? ›
Keep watching to see what we consider an excellent SI2 clarity diamond. Not only is it 100% eye clean with only scattered transparent inclusions throughout, it is also very crisp and has excellent luster/sparkle.
HOW TO CLEAN A DIAMOND TO MAKE IT MORE SPARKLE - YouTube
Are lab grown diamonds real? ›
Lab grown diamonds are as real as diamonds mined from the earth. Lab grown diamonds are identical to earth mined diamonds in every way, except that they are grown in a lab. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds and exhibit the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle.
What is J color diamond? ›
J color diamonds are part of the near colorless class of diamonds which includes grades G through J on the GIA grading scale. These diamonds can exhibit some color (typically yellow) but this color saturation is most visible when the diamond is viewed from the side.
Is an H color diamond good? ›
H Color Diamond (Near Colorless)
H color diamonds are an excellent value with a faint yellow hue that is difficult to detect unless compared side by side with other diamonds of a higher color grade. Typically, only a trained eye can see the difference between H and G color grades.
Is there a big difference between VS1 and VS2? ›
A VS1 diamond has no visible inclusions and under 10x magnification, the inclusions are almost unidentifiable. These diamonds make up the top 5 percent of all gem-quality stones. VS2 diamonds will only have eye-visible inclusions 5 percent or less of the time, which are more common in stones over 1 carat.
Is SI1 diamond eye-clean? ›
Generally, SI1 is the lowest clarity grade recommended if you're purchasing without you or a gemologist viewing the diamond in person to confirm that it is indeed eye-clean. If your shopping offline, and you see a shockingly low price, check the clarity.
What are flawless diamonds? ›
Flawless diamonds have no inclusions and no blemishes on the surface. Internally Flawless diamonds have no inclusions, but can have small blemishes on the surface, which can be polished away. Sure, these diamonds fit the textbook definition of perfect, but their high cost makes them impractical.
Is F color diamond good? ›
The F color diamond is the last quality in the colorless range. It has an unnoticeable color tint that affects the diamond's sparkle. It is an excellent balance of the highest quality range and value.
What's better VVS1 or VS1? ›
We recommend steering away from VVS1 diamonds because you're paying more than you need to. Depending on the shape, we generally recommend looking for a diamond that's in the VS1–SI1 range.
Which is better VVS2 or VS2? ›
VVS2 diamonds can display more brilliance than ones graded VS2 because inclusions have the potential to distort the way light reflects off its facets.
Because diamonds reflect white light, colorless diamonds produce the best sparkle and fire. In fact, the more color a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light. And as a result, will produce less sparkle. A D-color diamond is the highest quality, and will offer the greatest sparkle.
What does a black spot in my diamond mean? ›
Diamonds are entirely made up of carbon, and the black spots in them are just dots of carbon that hasn't crystallized. They are natural flaws that occurred during the formation of the diamond and are part of its structure. Black spots in diamonds are dots of carbon that hasn't crystallized.
What diamond clarity is eye clean? ›
According to GIA and AGS, diamonds that are considered Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) and Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) are considered eye clean.
What makes a ring sparkle? ›
This is because they lack facets or faces that bounce and reflect light. Diamonds sparkle is a result of light performance. As light hits a diamond, it penetrates the diamond, bounces around and reflects within the diamond and ultimately returns light to your eye. That is the sparkle that you see.
Can you see VS2 with eye? ›
In fact, nearly every VS2 clarity diamond will be eye-clean, with no visible imperfections. That's because these “Very Small” flaws, in both VS1 and VS2 stones, usually require magnification and a trained eye to see them. (In fact, even “Flawless” diamonds have imperfections.
Is VS2 SI1 clarity good? ›
Key Takeaways. VS2 and SI1 are two of the most popular clarity grades on the GIA's scale, for shoppers hoping to get a good deal on an eye clean stone. As such, many, many diamonds at the VS2 and SI1 clarity grades are totally eye clean, but much more affordable than diamonds with higher clarity grades.
How can you test a diamond at home? ›
Drop the diamond into the glass of water. Due to the high density of diamonds, when dropped into the water a real diamond will sink. If the diamond floats to the top or middle of the glass, it's fake. It's simple physics.
How many carats should an engagement ring be? ›
One of the decisions to be made when considering the purchase of an engagement ring is how many carats should the ring be? The average according to The Knot (a research company and website for all things wedding) is 1 to 2 carats. There is no rule. Developing a budget is always a good place to start.
What's the clearest diamond? ›
The highest clarity grade for a diamond is FL, or flawless. The GIA only ever grades a diamond as flawless when it has no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen by a skill grader, even if it's viewed under 10x magnification.
Are SI1 and SI2 diamonds real? ›
SI1 and SI2 stones are ones that are significantly cheaper than VS and VVS diamonds but – when chosen carefully – can still be eye-clean. And since, for most people, the driving factor of clarity is that the diamond should be eye-clean, this makes SI1 and SI2 the ideal ranges for a budget purchase.
With the other characteristics of the diamonds being identical, the SI1 diamond is 20% cheaper. Both diamonds are eye-clean, but if you choose the VS1 diamond, you'll pay ~$700 more. As shown in the example, an SI1 diamond can save you a good chunk of your budget. But choosing an SI1 diamond isn't always a good move.
Is SI1 a good diamond? ›
Although the inclusions could be seen with ease using a 10X magnification loupe, SI1 diamonds will usually appear flawless to the naked eye of a casual observer. In fact, SI1 graded diamonds are great for people on a budget as they don't have to compromise on cut quality to get a larger stone.
Are SI2 diamonds real? ›
SI stands for “Slightly Included.” Just below SI1 and above I diamonds, SI2 clarity diamonds are on the lower end of the clarity scale. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid them. These diamonds offer an affordable price point, and their flaws are often not visible to the naked eye.
Are SI diamonds fake? ›
Yes! Although an SI1 diamond isn't flawless, both SI diamond grades are beautiful and valuable. Most often, no one will come close enough to even see or identify inclusions. Like most other high-quality diamonds, SI diamonds will appreciate over time.
Do SI diamonds sparkle? ›
Cut quality dictates sparkle, not clarity:
Many people are concerned that the inclusions within an SI-2 or I-1 clarity diamond will affect the sparkle factor. This is an unnecessary concern, because the inclusions of a diamond to not effect sparkle.
Is si better than SI1? ›
SI1 is the higher clarity grade, which makes it easier to find an SI diamond without visible imperfections. Finding an SI2 diamond without visible imperfections will be harder but far from impossible. SI2 diamonds start at a nice price point.
Can SI diamonds pass diamond tester? ›
Will SI diamonds pass a diamond tester? Yes, most definitely. SI diamonds and most included diamonds pass a diamond tester. They have the same thermal conductivity as diamonds and produce the same result when tested.
Which is better VS1 or si2? ›
Theoretically, the difference between SI1 and VS2 diamonds is that SI1 diamonds are more included than VS2 diamonds. But sometimes an SI1 can be a better choice than a VS2 diamond, because the inclusions are less noticeable or they're in a place that's hidden by your setting or the prongs holding it.
Is there a big difference between VS1 and VS2? ›
A VS1 diamond has no visible inclusions and under 10x magnification, the inclusions are almost unidentifiable. These diamonds make up the top 5 percent of all gem-quality stones. VS2 diamonds will only have eye-visible inclusions 5 percent or less of the time, which are more common in stones over 1 carat.
How can you tell real diamonds from eyes? ›
A sparkle test is quick and easy to do since all you need are your eyes. Simply hold your diamond under a normal lamp and observe the bright shimmers of light bouncing off the diamond. A real diamond provides an exceptional sparkle since it reflects white light extremely well.
An eye clean diamond to us is essentially a clean looking diamond when you look straight at it from the top position (NOT upside down) with 20/20 vision about 6-12 inches from your face. A diamond that is eye clean DOES have imperfections as do most diamonds other than flawless.
What is J color diamond? ›
J color diamonds are part of the near colorless class of diamonds which includes grades G through J on the GIA grading scale. These diamonds can exhibit some color (typically yellow) but this color saturation is most visible when the diamond is viewed from the side.
How can you tell if a diamond is clean by James Allen? ›
James Allen considers a diamond eye clean if it appears to be free of inclusions when viewed face up in daylight or fluorescent lighting by the naked eye from a relatively short distance (6-12 inches).
How much is a SI2 diamond worth? ›
For a high-quality SI2 clarity, J color, VS2 clarity, and round-cut diamond: 0.50-carat diamond will cost approximately $1,250. 1-carat diamond will cost approximately $5,700. 1.50-carat diamond will cost approximately $9,900.
Are SI2 diamonds sparkly? ›
Keep watching to see what we consider an excellent SI2 clarity diamond. Not only is it 100% eye clean with only scattered transparent inclusions throughout, it is also very crisp and has excellent luster/sparkle.
