Flawless (FL) is the top clarity grade: a skilled grader finds no inclusions and no blemishes at 10x magnification.
In more detail
Flawless is strict. A few very small polish marks can still allow an Excellent polish grade. But those marks can stop the stone from being Flawless.
On a grading report
Written "Flawless" or "FL" in the clarity grade line.
Related terms
- Internally Flawless (IF): Internally Flawless (IF) is the clarity grade for a diamond with no inclusions at 10x. Only blemishes on the surface show.
- Clarity grade: 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).
- Blemish: A blemish is a clarity characteristic confined to the surface of a diamond.
- 10x magnification: 10x magnification is the standard view for diamond clarity grading: ten times life size, with a loupe or a microscope.