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Definitions of Clarity Grades

When you assign a clarity grade, consider the size, number, position, nature, and colour or relief of the various clarity characteristics. Summarize the factors; do not try to analyze them separately.

Flawless (FL): Flawless diamonds show no blemishes or inclusions when examined by a skilled grader under 10x magnification.

The following do not disqualify a stone from the flawless category:

• An extra facet on the pavilion which cannot be seen face-up.
• Naturals totally confined to the girdle, which neither thicken the girdle nor distort its outline.
• Internal graining which is not reflective, white, or coloured, and does not significantly affect transparency.

Internally Flawless (IF): IF stones show no inclusions and only insignificant blemishes under 10x. Normally what separates IF from FL stones are characteristics that can be removed by minor repolishing (light surface graining is an exception).

Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult for even a skilled grader to locate under 10x. In VVS1, they are extremely difficult to see, visible only from the pavilion, or small and shallow enough to be removed by minor repolishing. In VVS2, they are very difficult to see.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): VS stones contain minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) for a trained grader to see under 10x. Small included crystals, small feathers, and distinct clouds are typical.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): SI stones contain noticeable inclusions which are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see under 10x. In some SI2s, inclusions can be seen with the unaided eye when the stone is placed table-down on a white background and viewed through the pavilion.

Imperfect (I1, I2, and I3): I-grade diamonds contain inclusions which are obvious to a trained grader under 10x magnification, can usually be seen face-up with the unaided eye, seriously affect the stone's potential durability, or are so numerous they affect transparency and brilliance.