What is Diamond Clarity Grade Chart - Explained 11 Grades

Diamond clarity is the most important part of the 4Cs of diamond because it tells how much the light's resonations surpass the inclusions or impurities. The clarity chart for diamonds has 11 different types of grades, each of which is based on their natural inclusion and blemish content. GIA established the concept of diamond clarity.

The best clarity for diamonds is Flawless and Internally Flawless, where the blemishes aren't available in a tiny shape. That's why this kind of clarity grade is easily unavailable, and their price is very high, even $100K for a 1 carat natural diamond. Whenever a fancy color diamond is like a black diamond in FL or IF clarity, the price remains high due to its rarity and originality.

The average clarity grade is VVS to VS, where four types are existable and it used in engagement rings, wedding bands, hoop earrings, and tennis bracelets:

Diamond Clarity And It's Types

In the diamond clarity grade chart, there are 11 types, whereas an FL clarity is the best while an I3 is the most utterly neglectable. Deciding the diamond price depends on the clarity, considering the gem's carat weights, color, and cut. Also, the inclusions and blemishes decided which clarity available in the diamond, and each of the grades described in the chart is different from each.

Let's understand each diamond's clarity grade in depth and know which jewelry style will appear fantastic and the ideal price range.

Diamond clarity grades are mentioned below.

• Flawless Clarity
• Internally Flawless Clarity
• Very, Very Small Included1 Clarity
• Very, Very Small Included2 Clarity
• Very Small1 Clarity
• Very Small2 Clarity
• Small Included1 Clarity
• Small Included2 Clarity
• Included1 Clarity
• Included2 Clarity
• Included3 Clarity

After a brief overview, let's look at diamond clarity and its types in more detail to know the pros and cons of each grade.

1. Flawless Clarity Diamonds

Do you know which one is the best clarity for a diamond? A flawless clarity.

This clarity in diamond does not have a single inclusion and blemish under the 10X magnification microscopic evaluation. The most beneficial facts are the diamond's clear crystal anatomy and the powerful reflection capability throughout the surfaces, among other grades.

In diamond jewelry, FL clarity diamonds are rarely used because making them demands a high-level skill and expert craftsmanship, and it contains risks, too. So, it's very obvious the price will not remain cheap but reaches $150K for a 1 carat. This is the cost for a natural diamond.

So, be cool.

While your budget is $3000 to shop for a flawless diamond clarity and natural diamond-like appearance for a unique engagement ring, it can be done only by selecting a lab-grown diamond. Lab diamonds are not involve illegal activities or negatively impact the environment like blood diamonds.

In addition, if you wish to select a round brilliant diamond or square princess cut in FL clarity, consider other factors like a jewelry style or a carat weight. You have to balance with every aspect that matters for the purchase and thereafter for a experience for a better appearance.

2. Internally Flawless or IF Clarity Grade Diamond

The second best clarity for diamond award goes to the Internally Flawless grade, where the blemishes do not appear in the anatomy. In the scale of the diamond clarity chart, the IF grade is counted as the selectable for luxurious jewelry pieces for a keen appearance even with the rings in prong settings.

The reason behind its selection of the clear surface and proper arrangement of the internal structure allows it to experience a bright reflection that the diamond is recognized. The core benefit of choosing IF clarity is to refine brilliance from the inner part of the diamond, and this feature is not available except for FL clarity.

Usually, a round brilliant and European diamond is most often a shape chosen in IF clarity grade because of its additional reflection ability. Meanwhile, a fancy shape like a pear, oval, or marquise cut still appears beautiful and adorns the engagement ring for women. A Toi et Moi ring can be the best option for this diamond clarity grade where the inclusions do not appear or exist.

Also, not only can engagement rings be chosen with this diamond clarity, but hoop earrings and necklaces look more proper on the personalities when wearing.

Talking about Internally Flawless clarity grade existence in radiant and emerald cut diamonds, then it's rare to get. The cost of diamonds remains $60K to $80K for the scarce quality because they're not made but brought out from the earth.

As a result, the cost always reaches new heights, and it's very common to say a diamond is the best investment when it has the highest quality grade in terms of carat weight, color and cut.

3. VVS1 and Very, Very Small Included1 Diamonds Clarity

Besides the rare diamond clarity grades, the most common grade is chosen as VVS1, which is known as Very, Very Small Included1. In this clarity, a diamond appears with small-sized blemishes that do not affect a natural light reflection so much. The most common inclusion presence place is the table and crown surface in VVS1 clarity.

As you want to experience a Flawless and Internally Flawless grade appearance without spending too much, then it's the best option to move with a VVS1 grade. Every diamond shape is available in this clarity because of their common usage in engagement and wedding jewelry styles. The reflection of this diamond clarity remains beautiful and appropriate in every condition.

In addition, as you're in a love relationship and still you don't offer something meaningful to your partner, then it's best to give a diamond ring jewelry. As your relationship is in the starting phase, a promise ring can be the best choice ever due to its profound meaning and aspects.

Picking the VVS1 diamond clarity in promise rings appears the most glorious and fine piece for commitment in round, square, and elongated shapes.

Referring to the cost of a 1 carat diamond in VVS1 clarity, it remains $15K to $40K depending on the shape, color, and cut grades. The price remains between $1000 and $3000 for the same quality lab diamonds. Thus, if you're searching for a perfect 1 carat diamond ring that appears more prominent and wonderful on the finger, then pick a clear diamond properly and wisely.

4. VVS2 or Very, Very Small Included3 Clarity Diamonds

As you intend to experience a beauty of reflection even in the fancy blue color diamonds, then an ideal clarity is VVS2. Here, the inclusions are not slightly big and appear from the 10X magnification microscopic evaluation. The most common usage of this clarity is in wedding rings for women made in the eternity style and shared surface prong settings that hold a diamond properly.

Talking about the price perspective for this clarity, it usually ranges from $1000 to $3000 for at least 3 carat weights. A round diamond and emerald cut look proper with VVS2 grade due to its circular and elongated shape. Also, a square-modified brilliant cut is the best option for a colored diamond ring because of its proper shape that suits this clarity grade.

For buying VVS2 diamonds for wedding jewelry styles like necklaces or bracelets, consider the certifications of reputed institutions like GIA or IGI. The average price range for Very, Very Small Included2 clarity is $8000 to $150K for natural diamonds, while lab diamonds feature a significant drop in cost, offering $1000 to $2500 for 1 carat.

The balance between size and clarity in diamonds is important to be considered as a buyer because it is connected with the appearance and willingness to pay the price. Thus, among other clarity grades described in the chart, it does not matter how rare they are, but a VVS2 diamond is always a good choice for experiencing a reflection in every shape and vivid color.

5. Very Small Included1 or VS1 Clarity Grade Diamonds

The VS1 clarity diamonds are an ideal grade for a solitaire engagement ring due to their inclusion presence and making the solitaire diamond a center focal point for brilliance. Also, these diamonds are available in every shape, ranging from the round cut to the modified elongated radiant with the fancy colors. The inclusion amount remains similar to a VVS2 clarity, but the appearance looks slightly fainted.

To make the appearance more mesmerizing and appropriate in diamond jewelry with carat weights, color, and cut grade, it is important to pick the proper quality, and simultaneously, clarity should also be highlighted. Thus, wherever you want to shop for diamond jewelry, such as a diamond necklace or bracelet, the VS1 diamond clarity grade is not neglectable because it still has the potential to reflect light.

The diamond inclusions in the Very Small Included1 grade are more noticeable than VVS1 diamond blemishes. But, having not so many inclusions on the anatomies, they are acceptable in all terms when a buyer has a tight budget issue for buying jewelry even when in the rare colors like orange and yellow.

In this clarity grade, the inclusions are mostly found in knot, pinpoint, and cloud types that affect light reflections. The cost of VS1 clarity ranges from $1500 to $4000 for a lab-grown diamond, and for a natural diamond, the price is between $5K to $50K, depending on the rarity.

6. VS2 or Very Small Included2 Grade Diamond Clarity

A VS2 clarity grade diamond stands for Very Small Included2 grade, where the crown and table anatomies are stuffed with inclusions, affecting the light reflections. Also, on the girdle, the inclusions appear to impact the original movements of the diamonds, and that's why a good clarity in diamond is VS2.

So, most buyers prefer these clarity diamonds for halo-designed rings where the center diamond's inclusions are concealed with small-sized accent stones. Princess cut diamond rings are perfect choice for VS2 clarity grade because of their chevron facets and with the proper bezel setting it appears glorious.

This is the choice for individuals who don't want to overspend but still like to have brilliance on their fingers.

Do you know why a Very Small Included2 clarity grade is determined or any inexperienced craftsmanship is involved?

The answer may be the inexperienced craftsmanship in the cutting and polishing process that caused inclusions like needles, bruises, and crystal types that can't be removed or repaired. That's why don't prefer this clarity diamond for a solitaire ring, but pick it for a halo or a unique design where accent diamonds are fixed.

Knowing the correct cost for a diamond is the work of qualified persons who understand diamonds' carat weights, color, cut, and clarity. As you the first time purchase a diamond, whether it's a lab-grown and a real diamond, the VS1 clarity grade is easily available, and every customization is available in it.

For example, a 1 carat princess cut VS1 clarity diamond price is between $5K and $70K in natural diamonds. Conversely, a lab diamond price remains $1000 to $2000 for the same clarity grade, and the authenticated certificate is available. Thus, the right diamond selection depends on you. Make a decision regarding your preference.

7. SI1 and Small Included1 Clarity Graded Diamonds

SI1 clarity grade diamond has more inclusions on every part, and it's negatively affecting the reflection. For example, a chipping inclusion is available on the curved side of the diamond, stopping the reflection from being brought out. This kind of feature is usually available in the SI1 clarity diamond, and it's contained in every shape.

In this clarity diamonds, the impurities are mostly in the five major types: twinning wisps, cloud, bearded girdle, internal graining, and drill. All of these inclusion types affect the diamonds' naturality and prevent the expected appearance from being noticed. For stud earrings, these clarity-grade diamonds are the perfect choice due to their effectiveness and low prices.

A 1 carat SI1 clarity diamond costs range from $700 to $1500 in lab-grown diamonds. Meanwhile, for fancy colors, the price reaches $2000 due to the vibrancy of fancy colors.

Prioritize which jewelry style you want to shop, and if you want to experience brilliance in diamonds, then SI1 clarity is the perfect option. For example, a 2 carat diamond ring will be the best choice in this grades without any heavy price tag.

8. SI2 or Small Included2 Diamond Clarity

Every diamond shape has a clarity grade that scores from the presence of its inclusions on the anatomy. In the SI2 clarity grade, eight types of inclusions are available on the anatomy, covering the reflection paths. That's why this clarity diamond is selected with the proper selection in color, cut, and carat weights for women's pendant jewelry.

The eight core inclusion types are bearding, chip, cloud, graining, feather, knot, intended natural, and cavity inclusion types that appear on the surface of diamonds to affect the natural appearance and reflection. The cost of SI2 clarity ranges from $500 to $1500 in lab diamonds; for fancy colors, the price remains $1000.

These clarity grades appear appropriate in round diamonds because of the arrow-shaped faceting patterns. For an emerald-cut diamond, SI2 clarity is not acceptable because of its slender and transparent look. In addition, the princess diamond is the perfect choice for a more proper appearance in engagement rings with small included2 clarity.

9. Included1 or I1 Clarity Grade Diamonds

The I1 clarity grade represents diamonds with inclusions visible to the naked eye, yet they remain a popular choice for those seeking a balance between quality and budget. While these diamonds may have noticeable imperfections, their overall appearance can still be appealing, especially in jewelry designs that strategically minimize the visibility of inclusions.

The key to maximizing the beauty of an I1 clarity diamond lies in the setting and design and the individual's tolerance for visible flaws. Opting for styles that incorporate bezel settings or creative designs can effectively mask inclusions, making them a viable and cost-effective choice for those who prioritize size and overall appearance within a limited budget.

10. I2 or Included2 Grade Clarity Diamonds

An I2 clarity diamond falls within a lower tier of the clarity grading scale, indicating diamonds with more noticeable and significant inclusions visible to the naked eye. This clarity offers an affordable option; they are characterized by the presence of flaws that can impact the overall brilliance and sparkle of the gem.

The inclusions in clarity are typically larger and more apparent than those in higher grades, making them more challenging to hide, even with creative jewelry settings. Due to their lower clarity, I2 diamonds may not exhibit the same level of fire and brilliance as higher-grade diamonds, and their overall aesthetic appeal may be compromised.

It is crucial for buyers to carefully consider the trade-offs between cost and visual quality when opting for this clarity diamond, understanding that the noticeable imperfections may impact the stone's overall beauty. The salt and pepper diamond rings are usually I2 clarity graded diamonds because of their inclusion presence.

11. Included3 or I3 Clarity Diamonds

The I3 clarity diamond represents the lowest tier on the clarity grading scale, featuring numerous readily apparent inclusions that significantly impact the stone's overall appearance. These inclusions are often large and can be easily seen with the naked eye, affecting the diamond's brilliance and sparkle.

The noticeable aspect of this clarity diamond lies in the pronounced imperfections, which may include cracks, cloudiness, or other flaws that compromise the gem's visual appeal. These diamonds are the most budget-friendly option. They come with a trade-off regarding diminished beauty and transparency.

Due to the prominent inclusions, these diamonds are often chosen for practical reasons rather than for their aesthetic qualities, making them suitable for those seeking an economical option with a lower emphasis on visual perfection.