Diamond Clarity Guide
Nature’s Fingerprint, Beautifully Unique
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions and surface blemishes formed deep within the earth over millions of years. These characteristics are like nature’s fingerprint each one tells a story, making every diamond truly one-of-a-kind.
While flawless diamonds are rare, most inclusions are so small they’re invisible to the naked eye. That means you can often choose a stone with minor imperfections and still enjoy brilliant sparkle and incredible value.
Understanding the Clarity Scale
Diamonds are graded based on how visible and numerous their internal and external characteristics are, using the following clarity scale:
| Grade | Description | What You See |
|---|---|---|
| FL / IF | Flawless / Internally Flawless | No visible inclusions under 10x magnification |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included | Extremely hard to detect inclusions |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very Slightly Included | Minor inclusions, not visible to the eye |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly Included | Inclusions may be visible under close inspection |
| I1 / I2 / I3 | Included | Inclusions easily visible, may affect sparkle |
💡 The Real Gem Tip: VS1 to SI1 diamonds offer the best balance of eye-clean appearance and value.
Eye-Clean Diamonds
An "eye-clean" diamond is one where inclusions can't be seen without magnification. Many VS and SI grade diamonds fall into this category giving you the same visual beauty as higher-clarity diamonds at a more accessible price.
Remember: clarity is just one part of the bigger picture. Cut and colour can often influence overall appearance more than clarity alone.
Our Clarity Standards
At The Real Gem, we hand-select every diamond for brilliance, balance, and beauty not just grade.
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We prioritise diamonds that are eye-clean and sparkle beautifully
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Our clarity grades range from VS to SI2, with expert guidance available for bespoke orders
Clarity and Price
Clarity can greatly influence a diamond's price but not always its beauty. That’s why many buyers opt for a VS or SI grade and invest more in cut or carat size.
💡 Spend wisely: Go for the best clarity you can within your budget, but don’t overpay for perfection you can’t see.