Clarity is one of the most important factors in evaluating a gemstone's quality and value. It refers to the presence — or absence — of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface blemishes within a gemstone. Understanding gemstone clarity grades is essential for anyone shopping for fine jewelry, as clarity significantly impacts both appearance and price.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the clarity grading system, explain what different clarity grades mean, and help you determine which grade offers the best value for your needs.
What Is Gemstone Clarity?
Clarity refers to the visual purity of a gemstone. It's determined by examining the stone under 10x magnification and identifying any internal or external characteristics that affect its appearance. These characteristics fall into two categories:
Inclusions (Internal Characteristics)
Inclusions are features entirely contained within the gemstone:
- Crystals: Small mineral crystals trapped inside the stone
- Feathers: Internal fractures that resemble tiny feathers
- Clouds: Groups of tiny pinpoints that create a hazy area
- Needles: Long, thin crystal inclusions
- Pinpoints: Tiny crystals that appear as dots
- Twinning wisps: Distorted growth patterns
- Cavities: Openings extending into the stone
Blemishes (External Characteristics)
Blemishes are surface features:
- Scratches: Surface abrasions
- Nicks: Small chips on the surface or girdle
- Polish lines: Fine lines from the polishing process
- Natural: Unpolished surface areas from the original rough
- Extra facets: Additional facets not part of the standard cut
- Pits: Tiny surface holes
The Clarity Grading Scale
Gemstone clarity is graded on a standardized scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This scale applies to diamonds and is also used — with some modifications — for other transparent gemstones including moissanite.
Complete Clarity Grade Chart
| Grade | Abbreviation | Description | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flawless | FL | No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x | None |
| Internally Flawless | IF | No inclusions; only minor blemishes under 10x | None |
| Very Very Slightly Included 1 | VVS1 | Minute inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x | Invisible to naked eye |
| Very Very Slightly Included 2 | VVS2 | Minute inclusions very difficult to see under 10x | Invisible to naked eye |
| Very Slightly Included 1 | VS1 | Minor inclusions difficult to see under 10x | Invisible to naked eye |
| Very Slightly Included 2 | VS2 | Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see under 10x | Invisible to naked eye |
| Slightly Included 1 | SI1 | Noticeable inclusions easy to see under 10x | Usually invisible to naked eye |
| Slightly Included 2 | SI2 | Noticeable inclusions easy to see under 10x | May be visible to naked eye |
| Included 1 | I1 | Obvious inclusions visible under 10x | Visible to naked eye |
| Included 2 | I2 | Obvious inclusions easily visible under 10x | Easily visible to naked eye |
| Included 3 | I3 | Obvious inclusions severely affecting durability | Very visible to naked eye |
Understanding Each Clarity Grade in Detail
Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)
FL and IF gemstones are extraordinarily rare — fewer than 1% of all gemstones graded achieve these ratings. A Flawless stone has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification, while an Internally Flawless stone may have minor surface blemishes but no internal inclusions.
Value impact: FL and IF stones command the highest prices, often 30% to 50% more than VVS stones of equivalent size and quality.
VVS1 and VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)
VVS gemstones contain minute inclusions that are extremely difficult (VVS1) or very difficult (VVS2) for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions are typically tiny pinpoints, faint clouds, or minute feathers.
Value impact: VVS represents the sweet spot for collectors and those who want exceptional quality. The price premium over VS grades is moderate (10–20%).
VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
VS gemstones have minor inclusions that are difficult (VS1) or somewhat easy (VS2) to see under 10x magnification. These may include small crystals, minor clouds, or small feathers. Importantly, VS inclusions are never visible to the naked eye.
Value impact: VS2 is often considered the best value clarity grade. The stone appears clean to the naked eye, but the price is significantly lower than VVS grades. For more on evaluating value across quality factors, see our lab grown diamonds guide.
SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included)
SI gemstones have noticeable inclusions that are easy to see under 10x magnification. SI1 inclusions are typically not visible to the naked eye, while SI2 inclusions may be barely visible in larger stones.
Value impact: SI1 offers excellent value, as the stone appears clean to the naked eye but costs substantially less than VS grades. SI2 can also be good value, but it's important to examine the stone carefully — some SI2 inclusions may be visible.
I1, I2, and I3 (Included)
I-grade gemstones have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. I1 inclusions may affect the stone's appearance but not its durability. I2 and I3 inclusions can significantly impact both appearance and durability.
Value impact: I1 stones can offer budget-friendly options if the inclusions are in less visible areas. I2 and I3 stones are generally not recommended for fine jewelry.
Clarity Grading for Different Gemstones
While the GIA clarity scale was developed for diamonds, it's applied — with adaptations — to other gemstones:
Diamond Clarity
Diamonds are graded strictly on the GIA scale. Lab grown diamonds follow the same grading system. See our lab grown diamonds guide for more details.
Moissanite Clarity
Moissanite is graded on a modified version of the clarity scale. Most moissanite sold for jewelry falls in the VS to VVS range, as the manufacturing process produces relatively clean stones. The most common moissanite clarity grades are:
| Moissanite Grade | Diamond Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Premium (VS) | VS1–VS2 | Minor inclusions under 10x; invisible to naked eye |
| Super Premium (VVS) | VVS1–VVS2 | Minute inclusions; extremely difficult to see under 10x |
| Internally Flawless | IF–FL | No visible inclusions under 10x |
Learn more about moissanite grading in our moissanite 4Cs guide.
Colored Gemstone Clarity
Colored gemstones (sapphire, ruby, emerald, etc.) use a different clarity grading system because they naturally contain more inclusions than diamonds. The GIA uses a three-tier system for colored stones:
- Type I: Typically eye-clean (aquamarine, topaz)
- Type II: Typically moderately included (sapphire, ruby)
- Type III: Almost always included (emerald)
How Clarity Affects Price
Clarity can dramatically affect gemstone prices. Here's how prices change across clarity grades for a 1-carat diamond:
| Clarity Grade | Price (1ct, G color, Excellent cut) | Price vs. VS2 |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 12,000 | +60–80% |
| IF | 10,000 | +40–60% |
| VVS1 | 7,500 | +20–35% |
| VVS2 | 6,500 | +15–25% |
| VS1 | 5,500 | +5–10% |
| VS2 | 5,000 | Baseline |
| SI1 | 4,500 | -10–15% |
| SI2 | 3,800 | -20–25% |
| I1 | 3,200 | -30–35% |
Prices are approximate for natural diamonds; lab grown diamond prices follow similar relative patterns at lower absolute levels.
How to Choose the Right Clarity Grade
For Maximum Value: VS2
VS2 offers the best balance of quality and price. Inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, and the price is significantly lower than higher grades.
For Eye-Clean Budget Options: SI1
A carefully selected SI1 stone can appear identical to a VS2 to the naked eye while costing 10–15% less. The key is to choose a stone where inclusions are positioned near the edge rather than the center.
For Collectors and Perfectionists: VVS2 or IF
If you want a stone that's clean even under magnification, VVS2 offers excellent quality without the extreme premium of FL/IF grades.
For Moissanite Buyers: VS (Premium)
Moissanite is typically available in VS or VVS grades. VS (Premium) moissanite offers excellent value, as the inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. See our moissanite 4Cs grading guide for details.
Clarity and Other Quality Factors
Clarity should be evaluated alongside the other quality factors:
- Cut: A well-cut stone can mask lower clarity by maximizing brilliance. Learn more in our cut and brilliance guide.
- Color: In lower color grades, inclusions may be less noticeable
- Carat: Inclusions are more visible in larger stones
- Refractive index: Higher-RI stones like moissanite and diamond can mask inclusions through greater brilliance. See our refractive index guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clarity grade is eye-clean?
For diamonds, VS2 and above are generally eye-clean (no inclusions visible without magnification). SI1 is usually eye-clean but should be verified individually. For moissanite, VS (Premium) grade is eye-clean.
Can inclusions affect a gemstone's durability?
Yes. Certain types of inclusions — particularly feathers (fractures) that reach the surface — can compromise a gemstone's structural integrity and make it more susceptible to chipping or breaking. This is why I2 and I3 grades are not recommended for rings worn daily. Check the stone's hardness on the Mohs scale alongside its clarity.
Do lab grown diamonds have different clarity than natural diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale as natural diamonds. CVD lab diamonds often achieve higher clarity grades because their growth environment is more controlled. HPHT lab diamonds may contain metallic inclusions, but these are typically microscopic.
Is it worth paying for VVS or FL clarity?
For most buyers, no. The difference between VS2 and VVS2 is invisible to the naked eye, yet the price difference is 15–25%. FL and IF grades are so rare that they carry a significant collector's premium. Unless you're investing in a collector's piece or want the pride of owning a flawless stone, VS2 offers the best value.
Conclusion
Understanding gemstone clarity grades empowers you to make informed purchasing decisions and find the best value for your budget. While FL and IF stones represent the pinnacle of clarity, they carry premiums that most buyers don't need to pay. VS2 and SI1 grades offer excellent value, providing stones that appear flawless to the naked eye at accessible price points.
Whether you're choosing a natural diamond, lab grown diamond, or moissanite, clarity is just one piece of the puzzle. Combine your understanding of clarity with knowledge of cut, color, and carat weight to find the perfect gemstone for your needs — and don't forget to explore our diamond alternatives comparison for even more options.
Find your perfect clarity grade today. Browse our collection of moissanite and lab grown diamond jewelry to discover beautiful, eye-clean stones at every price point.