Diamond Clarity: VS, SI and VVS and Which to Choose

Almost every natural diamond has tiny internal features formed as it grew. Clarity is the grading of those features, and it is one of the four Cs. The question most people care about is simple: can I see them?

The clarity scale

From best to lowest:

• FL (Flawless) and IF (Internally Flawless): no features visible under 10x magnification (FL also has none on the surface). Very rare.
• VVS1 and VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): features are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.
• VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included): features are minor, and seen with some effort under 10x magnification.
• SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included): features are noticeable under 10x magnification, and sometimes visible to the eye.
• I1, I2 and I3 (Included): features are often visible without magnification and may affect brilliance or durability.

Grading is done by trained graders using 10x magnification.

What are inclusions?

The marks are called inclusions inside the stone and blemishes on its surface. Common types include tiny crystals, feathers (small fractures) and clouds. For a closer look, see diamond inclusions explained.

Eye-clean is what matters

"Eye-clean" means no inclusions are visible to the naked eye at a normal viewing distance. Many VS and some SI stones are eye-clean. Paying for a higher clarity grade than you need can use up a budget that would be better spent elsewhere.

Which grade for which purchase?

• Small diamonds in jewellery (studs, pendants, clusters): inclusions are rarely visible at this size, so VS or SI is practical.
• Larger solitaires: step cuts such as emerald show inclusions more, so many buyers choose VS2 or higher. For brilliant cuts, a well-chosen SI1 can be eye-clean.
• Where position matters: an inclusion under the table (centre top) is more visible than one near the edge hidden by a prong.

A tip from the plot

Two stones of the same clarity grade can look different. The certificate plot shows where features are. Ask your jeweller to show you the stone and the feature at the same time under magnification.

Clarity and durability

Most inclusions do not affect strength. A large feather reaching the surface can be a weak point for a stone that takes knocks, such as in a ring. Ask about it for everyday-wear rings.

Clarity versus other Cs

Clarity, colour, cut and carat all affect price. Cut has the most effect on how a diamond looks, so do not sacrifice it for clarity. See diamond cut grades explained.

Using the report

The clarity grade appears on the certificate, as explained in how to read a diamond certificate step by step.

Common questions

Is an SI diamond a bad choice? Not necessarily. Some SI stones are eye-clean and offer good value. The key is to inspect the particular stone.

Do inclusions make a diamond weaker? Most do not. Large features reaching the surface can be a weak point for stones that take knocks.

Is Flawless worth the premium? For most buyers, no. The differences between top grades are visible only under magnification.

Try it yourself

Ask to look at a VS stone and an SI stone side by side. You can book an appointment to do this, or see how stones are described on our diamond rings pages.