The clarity grade says how free a diamond is of inclusions (inside) and blemishes (on the surface) at 10x magnification. GIA's scale has 11 grades in six categories, from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
In more detail
The grade is not a count. GIA bases it on the size, nature, number, position and relief of the characteristics. One dark crystal under the table can matter more than three faint pinpoints near the girdle. Many inclusions that graders find at 10x are not visible to the unaided eye.
On a grading report
In the grades block, for example VS2. A full GIA report supports the grade with the clarity plot; a Dossier lists up to four characteristics in words.
Related terms
- Flawless (FL): Flawless (FL) is the top clarity grade: a skilled grader finds no inclusions and no blemishes at 10x magnification.
- Internally Flawless (IF): Internally Flawless (IF) is the clarity grade for a diamond with no inclusions at 10x. Only blemishes on the surface show.
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): VVS1 and VVS2 are the clarity grades for very small inclusions. Even a skilled grader has difficulty finding them at 10x.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): VS1 and VS2 are the clarity grades for small inclusions that a grader finds with some effort at 10x magnification.
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): SI1 and SI2 are the clarity grades for inclusions that are noticeable at 10x magnification.
- Included (I1, I2, I3): I1, I2 and I3 are the lowest clarity grades. Their inclusions are obvious at 10x and can affect transparency and brilliance.