GIA 4Cs Clarity (2024)

FAQs

What diamond clarity is good enough? ›

Eye Clean Diamond Clarity Grades:

VS2 to VVS1 diamonds are eye-clean. You will not see any inclusions with the naked eye. SI1 & SI2 are mostly eye-clean. It's best to see the diamond in person or through a video, to see its clarity and make sure you're happy with it.

Because diamonds formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain unique birthmarks, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions and blemishes.

Out of the 4 C's of diamonds, the cut of the diamond is the most important. This is followed by color, clarity, and carat weight.

The 4Cs, are the globally accepted standard for assessing the quality of a diamond —color, clarity, cut and carat weight. At De Beers we select by every diamond by eye to find the ultimate beauty and brilliance.

For two carat diamonds clarity, we recommend a VS2 or above. This grade usually ensures that the diamond is eye-clean and free of obstructive inclusions.

Depending on its size, we recommend choosing a diamond in the Clarity range of VS2 or SI1 - VS stands for “Very Slightly Included” and SI stands for “Slightly Included” - In this range most diamonds are “eye-clean” meaning that their imperfections are not visible to the naked eye, but require a 10X loupe to see.

That's why cut is the most important of the 4Cs—if a diamond is poorly cut, no clarity grating, color grading, or carat weight will make up for it. The diamond will look dull and glassy. When a diamond is cut to the proper proportions and symmetry, it will return light out of its top.

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. On the other hand, Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) diamonds may or may not be eye clean.

Clarity is more important in shapes like emerald, princess, and asscher. Colour is important for cushion, radiant, pear and oval. Generally speaking, as long as you choose an eye-clean diamond, your diamond will still look beautiful in terms of clarity.

I would say it is color. It dictates more of the pricing of the diamond and impacts the appearance more. But that also means that clarity offers a lot more room for your budget while impacting the appearance very little. Use both to your advantage to find your dream stone.

What is the best clarity letter for a diamond? ›

The best diamond clarity grade is Flawless (FL) clarity.

You should seek the largest carat size (a.k.a. diamond weight) available within your budget. However, if exceptional sparkle is most important to you, then you should seek the highest quality diamond available within your budget.

The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories. In determining a clarity grade, the GIA system considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10x magnification.

VS1 is a high clarity grade with no eye visible inclusions and only small, hard to identify inclusions under 10x magnification. These diamonds represent the top 5% of all gem quality stones and are highly recommended as a blend of value and quality.

As a critical part of diamond grading , the accepted standard for determining diamond clarity is to examine the stone using a 10X microscope along with the trained naked eye. The level of visibility, the location, and the nature of inclusions (flaws) in a diamond determine the diamond's clarity grade.

​ ​VS1 is higher than the VS2 grade. The only difference between the two is a VS2 diamond's impurities can be easier to spot than those in a VS1.

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.

Round Brilliant Cut

The round cut is the most brilliant or the most sparkling diamond cut. Fifty-eight facets (including the culet) are cut into brilliant round diamonds to allow light to pass through and reflect off each facet.

AGS 0: Flawless or Internally Flawless

Flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x.