Last Updated on 22/02/2024 by Above Diamond

Diamond Clarity: Everything About the IF, VVS, VS, SI

Diamond Clarity is a term we often see and hear, for example, IF, VVS, VS, and SI. Clarity is another factor that indicates a diamond’s beauty.

Diamonds are typically evaluated using the principle of the “4Cs of Diamonds”, which consists of Color, Carat, Cut, and Clarity. Clarity refers to how “perfect” or flawless a diamond appears. Unlike Color, Carat, and Cut, which are more easily visible to the naked eye, Clarity can be easily overlooked.

Some buyers with limited budgets might choose a diamond with lower clarity in exchange for a heavier Carat weight, believing that the clarity imperfections are not noticeable, while a larger diamond is harder to miss.

However, we always emphasize that “Diamond Clarity” is just as important as the other aspects of the 4Cs. Clarity can significantly impact a diamond’s long-term value, so it’s worth considering carefully.

If you’re planning to buy a diamond soon, we encourage you to keep reading. This information will be invaluable for your diamond-buying journey.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamonds are formed naturally deep within the Earth’s mantle, between 120 and 200 kilometers below the surface. They endure extreme heat—up to 1200°C—over the course of 1 to 3 million years before fully forming. During this process, most diamonds develop internal flaws, which affect their clarity.
Clarity is a measure of a diamond’s internal and external imperfections, also known as inclusions and blemishes. The fewer flaws present, the higher the clarity—and the value—of the diamond.

Even though clarity can be difficult to see with the naked eye, it plays a big role in determining a diamond’s price.

Personal Opinion: Clarity is often a subjective consideration for buyers, as the wearer is typically the only one who knows the specific details from the diamond report.

Clarity Diamond

GIA Clarity Scale (Best to Worst):

Flawless (FL)
Internally Flawless (IF)
Very Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS1)
Very Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS2)
Very Slightly Included 1 (VS1)
Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2)
Slightly Included 1 (SI1)
Slightly Included 2 (SI2)
Included 1 (I1)
Included 2 (I2)
Included 3 (I3)

Observation: In each Clarity level, diamonds with a “1” are of higher quality than those with a “2,” and naturally, they command a higher price.

Diamond Clarity Grades

top view of the diamond

Internally Flawless (IF)

Diamonds with this grade are perfect and show no flaws, even under magnification. These are among the rarest diamonds, making up just 0.5% of all diamonds.

It’s no surprise that IF clarity diamonds come with a premium price. They are suited to those who seek perfection and are willing to invest in the highest quality. IF clarity diamonds may not be the best choice if you’re working within a limited budget, but they are ideal for those who want nothing but the finest.

Very Very Slightly Included 1 – 2 (VVS1 – VVS2)

At this level, inclusions are so tiny that even experts need a 10x magnifier to locate them. VVS diamonds are extremely high quality, and flaws are typically so minuscule they resemble tiny specks of dust.

If you’re aiming for a 1-carat diamond at a reasonable price, we recommend considering VVS clarity diamonds. They are widely regarded by experts as high-quality diamonds without being as costly as IF diamonds.

Very Slightly Included 1 – 2 (VS1 – VS2)

Diamonds in this category have small inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but they are still difficult for even experts to locate. For general buyers, these flaws are nearly invisible.

VS clarity diamonds are very popular due to their balance of high quality and more accessible price compared to VVS diamonds. If you’re shopping on a budget, VS1 diamonds offer excellent value without sacrificing much in terms of clarity.

Secret Tip: If you’re looking to save while still buying a high-quality diamond, VS1 diamonds allow you to allocate more of your budget toward color or cut quality.

Slightly Included 1 – 2 (SI1 – SI2)

SI diamonds have inclusions that are visible under magnification, and in some cases, they can be seen with the naked eye—especially in larger diamonds. These flaws can often be found on the diamond’s “face,” which may diminish its appearance.

If you’re interested in SI diamonds, we recommend considering fancy shapes like the Emerald Cut or Asscher Cut, as inclusions are less noticeable in these shapes. It’s a good option for those working within a budget, but we generally suggest going for VS+ clarity diamonds if you can stretch your budget to avoid noticeable flaws.

Secret Tip: Many department store diamond rings priced between THB 10,000 and 30,000 feature SI diamonds with visible flaws. These flaws are often hidden once the diamond is set in a ring, but it’s important to be aware of what you’re purchasing. When deciding where to buy your engagement ring, make sure the diamond is truly worth the price.

Included 1 – 2 – 3 (I1 – I2 – I3)

Diamonds in this category have easily noticeable inclusions, which can significantly affect their brilliance and overall appearance. We generally advise against purchasing diamonds in this clarity range, as the flaws are too prominent to overlook.

Flaws That Cannot Be Seen With the Naked Eye

Nikon loupe
In VVS2 diamonds, even an expert may need several minutes with a 10x magnifier to locate inclusions. For VS1 diamonds, experts will find inclusions more easily, while in VS2 diamonds, the flaws are more obvious under magnification but still hard to spot without it.

With VS2, SI1, and SI2 diamonds, inclusions may sometimes be visible to the naked eye—what we call “Eye Visible Inclusions.” If you reach out to us, we’d be happy to examine your diamond for free and even help you find an SI diamond that’s “Eye Clean” (no visible flaws). It’s something we do regularly.

If you’re looking for a good loupe to spot inclusions in your diamonds, we recommend a high-quality magnifier

Selecting a Diamond Is Like Choosing a Cake

Think of selecting a diamond as similar to choosing a cake. If you have a large budget, you can buy a big, extravagant cake. A smaller budget might get you a more modest one. The 4Cs—Color, Carat, Cut, and Clarity—are the different layers of this cake.

If you focus all your resources on just one layer (say, clarity), you might compromise on other aspects like color or cut quality. We suggest distributing your budget wisely across all 4Cs to ensure you get a well-rounded diamond with good carat weight, beautiful color, excellent cut, and minimal flaws.

Not All Diamond Flaws Are the Same

After reading the cake analogy, you might think selecting a diamond is simple, but it’s essential to understand that flaws come in many forms.

Diamonds can have various types of inclusions: fractures, cloud-like inclusions, white scratches, black dots, and more. Some flaws may be located at the edge of the diamond and become invisible once set in a ring. These factors are also worth considering when making your purchase.

diamond halo ring

Conclusion: Focus on What Matters Most to You

People often ask us, “Which part of the 4Cs should we prioritize? Color, carat, cut, or clarity?”

Our answer is, it depends on what matters most to you.

Think of it like buying clothes: some care more about the color, others prioritize the fabric (carat), the cut, or the material’s quality (clarity). When you look at it this way, the choice becomes clearer.

For diamonds, we generally recommend:

If color is your priority, look for Color D–F / Clarity VVS–VS.
If carat size is most important, aim for Color G–J / Clarity VVS–VS.

While you’re considering those factors, don’t forget the cut—it should be at least “Very Good” for those on a budget, and if you’re aiming for top quality, go for a 3 Excellent Cut.

Happy diamond hunting!