Diamond clarity refers to how clean a diamond is from internal inclusions and external blemishes.
Diamond clarity is one of the important factors that affects a diamond’s beauty, rarity, and value. It refers to the natural internal and external characteristics found in a diamond. These tiny features are often called inclusions and blemishes.
At Reverra Jewels, we help you understand diamond clarity in a simple and clear way, so you can choose a diamond that looks beautiful, brilliant, and right for your jewelry.
Diamond clarity is one of the important factors that affects a diamond’s beauty, rarity, and value. It refers to the natural internal and external characteristics found in a diamond. These tiny features are often called inclusions and blemishes.
At Reverra Jewels, we help you understand diamond clarity in a simple and clear way, so you can choose a diamond that looks beautiful, brilliant, and right for your jewelry.
Diamond clarity measures how clean a diamond appears when viewed under magnification. Most diamonds form under intense heat and pressure, so they often contain tiny natural marks inside or on the surface.
Internal marks are called inclusions, while surface marks are called blemishes. Many of these clarity characteristics are very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
A diamond with fewer visible inclusions is considered rarer and usually more valuable. However, the best clarity grade is not always necessary. Many diamonds with slight inclusions still look completely clean and stunning when worn.
Diamond clarity measures how clean a diamond appears when viewed under magnification. Most diamonds form under intense heat and pressure, so they often contain tiny natural marks inside or on the surface.
Internal marks are called inclusions, while surface marks are called blemishes. Many of these clarity characteristics are very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
A diamond with fewer visible inclusions is considered rarer and usually more valuable. However, the best clarity grade is not always necessary. Many diamonds with slight inclusions still look completely clean and stunning when worn.
Clarity affects how clean and flawless a diamond appears. If inclusions are large, dark, or placed near the center of the diamond, they may affect the stone’s appearance. In some cases, they can also affect brilliance if they block light from passing through the diamond.
However, many inclusions are microscopic and do not affect beauty at all. This is why choosing an eye-clean diamond is often more important than choosing the highest clarity grade.
An eye-clean diamond means the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye when viewed normally.
Clarity affects how clean and flawless a diamond appears. If inclusions are large, dark, or placed near the center of the diamond, they may affect the stone’s appearance. In some cases, they can also affect brilliance if they block light from passing through the diamond.
However, many inclusions are microscopic and do not affect beauty at all. This is why choosing an eye-clean diamond is often more important than choosing the highest clarity grade.
An eye-clean diamond means the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye when viewed normally.
Diamond clarity is commonly graded from Flawless to Included.
FL — Flawless
Flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. They are extremely rare and very valuable.
Best for: Collectors, premium engagement rings, and customers who want the highest rarity.
IF — Internally Flawless
Internally Flawless diamonds have no internal inclusions, but may have very tiny surface blemishes under magnification. They are also rare and highly valued.
Best for: High-end fine jewelry and premium diamond buyers.
VVS1 and VVS2 — Very Very Slightly Included
VVS diamonds have extremely tiny inclusions that are very difficult to see even under magnification. They appear beautifully clean and premium.
Best for: Customers who want excellent clarity without choosing Flawless.
VS1 and VS2 — Very Slightly Included
VS diamonds have minor inclusions that are usually difficult to see under magnification and often invisible to the naked eye. They are a popular choice because they offer a strong balance of beauty and value.
Best for: Engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and fine jewelry.
SI1 and SI2 — Slightly Included
SI diamonds have inclusions that may be visible under magnification and sometimes visible to the eye, depending on the diamond. A carefully selected SI1 diamond can still look eye-clean and beautiful.
Best for: Customers looking for value, especially when the inclusions are not easily visible.
I1, I2, and I3 — Included
Included diamonds have more noticeable inclusions. These may affect the appearance, brilliance, or durability of the diamond.
At Reverra Jewels, we recommend reviewing included diamonds carefully before choosing them, especially for engagement rings or center stones.
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions are natural internal characteristics inside a diamond. They form during the diamond’s growth process and are unique to each stone.
Common inclusions include:
Crystals — Small minerals trapped inside the diamond.
Clouds — Groups of tiny inclusions that can create a hazy appearance.
Feathers — Small internal fractures that may look like fine lines.
Needles — Thin, needle-like inclusions.
Pinpoints — Very small dots inside the diamond.
Not all inclusions are a problem. The size, color, location, and number of inclusions determine how much they affect the diamond.
What Are Blemishes?
Blemishes are surface marks on a diamond. They may happen naturally or during cutting and polishing.
Common blemishes include:
Scratches — Fine lines on the surface.
Nicks — Small chips near the edge.
Polish marks — Tiny marks from the polishing process.
Extra facets — Additional small facets added during cutting.
Many blemishes are extremely small and only visible under magnification.
Eye-Clean Diamonds
An eye-clean diamond has no visible inclusions when viewed without magnification. For many buyers, this is the smartest clarity choice because the diamond looks clean and beautiful while offering better value than higher clarity grades.
For example, a well-selected VS2 or SI1 diamond may look just as clean to the naked eye as a VVS diamond, but at a more accessible price.
At Reverra Jewels, we focus on helping you choose diamonds that look beautiful in real life, not just on paper.
Diamond Clarity and Shape
Some diamond shapes hide inclusions better than others.
Round brilliant diamonds hide inclusions well because of their strong sparkle.
Oval, cushion, radiant, and pear diamonds can also hide inclusions depending on the cut and placement.
Emerald and Asscher cuts show inclusions more easily because of their large open facets.
Princess cut diamonds may hide some inclusions, but corners should be checked carefully.
If you choose a step-cut diamond like emerald or Asscher, you may want a higher clarity grade for a cleaner appearance.
Diamond Clarity and Size
Larger diamonds can show inclusions more easily because there is more surface area to notice details. For bigger center stones, clarity becomes more important.
For smaller diamonds used in bands, halos, bracelets, and pavé settings, slightly lower clarity grades can still look beautiful because the inclusions are much harder to see.
Best Clarity for Engagement Rings
For engagement rings, many customers choose VS1, VS2, or SI1 clarity because these grades can offer a clean look with excellent value.
If you want a premium clarity grade, VVS1 or VVS2 can be a beautiful choice. If you are choosing an emerald or Asscher cut, a higher clarity grade may be recommended because these shapes reveal more internal details.
The best clarity is the one that looks clean to your eye and fits your budget.
Reverra Jewels Expert Tip
Do not choose clarity based only on the grade. Always consider where the inclusions are located. A diamond with a small inclusion near the edge may look cleaner than a higher-graded diamond with a visible inclusion in the center.
For the best value, choose an eye-clean diamond with strong cut quality, beautiful sparkle, and reliable certification.
Diamond clarity is commonly graded from Flawless to Included.
FL — Flawless
Flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. They are extremely rare and very valuable.
Best for: Collectors, premium engagement rings, and customers who want the highest rarity.
IF — Internally Flawless
Internally Flawless diamonds have no internal inclusions, but may have very tiny surface blemishes under magnification. They are also rare and highly valued.
Best for: High-end fine jewelry and premium diamond buyers.
VVS1 and VVS2 — Very Very Slightly Included
VVS diamonds have extremely tiny inclusions that are very difficult to see even under magnification. They appear beautifully clean and premium.
Best for: Customers who want excellent clarity without choosing Flawless.
VS1 and VS2 — Very Slightly Included
VS diamonds have minor inclusions that are usually difficult to see under magnification and often invisible to the naked eye. They are a popular choice because they offer a strong balance of beauty and value.
Best for: Engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and fine jewelry.
SI1 and SI2 — Slightly Included
SI diamonds have inclusions that may be visible under magnification and sometimes visible to the eye, depending on the diamond. A carefully selected SI1 diamond can still look eye-clean and beautiful.
Best for: Customers looking for value, especially when the inclusions are not easily visible.
I1, I2, and I3 — Included
Included diamonds have more noticeable inclusions. These may affect the appearance, brilliance, or durability of the diamond.
At Reverra Jewels, we recommend reviewing included diamonds carefully before choosing them, especially for engagement rings or center stones.
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions are natural internal characteristics inside a diamond. They form during the diamond’s growth process and are unique to each stone.
Common inclusions include:
Crystals — Small minerals trapped inside the diamond.
Clouds — Groups of tiny inclusions that can create a hazy appearance.
Feathers — Small internal fractures that may look like fine lines.
Needles — Thin, needle-like inclusions.
Pinpoints — Very small dots inside the diamond.
Not all inclusions are a problem. The size, color, location, and number of inclusions determine how much they affect the diamond.
What Are Blemishes?
Blemishes are surface marks on a diamond. They may happen naturally or during cutting and polishing.
Common blemishes include:
Scratches — Fine lines on the surface.
Nicks — Small chips near the edge.
Polish marks — Tiny marks from the polishing process.
Extra facets — Additional small facets added during cutting.
Many blemishes are extremely small and only visible under magnification.
Eye-Clean Diamonds
An eye-clean diamond has no visible inclusions when viewed without magnification. For many buyers, this is the smartest clarity choice because the diamond looks clean and beautiful while offering better value than higher clarity grades.
For example, a well-selected VS2 or SI1 diamond may look just as clean to the naked eye as a VVS diamond, but at a more accessible price.
At Reverra Jewels, we focus on helping you choose diamonds that look beautiful in real life, not just on paper.
Diamond Clarity and Shape
Some diamond shapes hide inclusions better than others.
Round brilliant diamonds hide inclusions well because of their strong sparkle.
Oval, cushion, radiant, and pear diamonds can also hide inclusions depending on the cut and placement.
Emerald and Asscher cuts show inclusions more easily because of their large open facets.
Princess cut diamonds may hide some inclusions, but corners should be checked carefully.
If you choose a step-cut diamond like emerald or Asscher, you may want a higher clarity grade for a cleaner appearance.
Diamond Clarity and Size
Larger diamonds can show inclusions more easily because there is more surface area to notice details. For bigger center stones, clarity becomes more important.
For smaller diamonds used in bands, halos, bracelets, and pavé settings, slightly lower clarity grades can still look beautiful because the inclusions are much harder to see.
Best Clarity for Engagement Rings
For engagement rings, many customers choose VS1, VS2, or SI1 clarity because these grades can offer a clean look with excellent value.
If you want a premium clarity grade, VVS1 or VVS2 can be a beautiful choice. If you are choosing an emerald or Asscher cut, a higher clarity grade may be recommended because these shapes reveal more internal details.
The best clarity is the one that looks clean to your eye and fits your budget.
Reverra Jewels Expert Tip
Do not choose clarity based only on the grade. Always consider where the inclusions are located. A diamond with a small inclusion near the edge may look cleaner than a higher-graded diamond with a visible inclusion in the center.
For the best value, choose an eye-clean diamond with strong cut quality, beautiful sparkle, and reliable certification.
