• Why Clarity Matters

    Diamond clarity is graded on a scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1–I3). Less than 1% of diamonds are flawless, making them exceptionally rare.

    Most diamonds, however, have inclusions so small they cannot be seen without magnification. These natural features don’t usually affect a diamond’s sparkle.

    Clarity grades explained:

    • FL/IF: Flawless or Internally Flawless, no inclusions visible even under magnification.
    • VVS1–VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions, nearly impossible to detect.
    • VS1–VS2: Very slight inclusions, often the best balance of value and appearance.
    • SI1–SI2: Slight inclusions, usually invisible to the naked eye.
    • I1–I3: Obvious inclusions, may affect brilliance.

    At À Vie, we recommend SI1 clarity and above for an “eye-clean” look. VS clarity grades often offer the best balance of beauty and value.

    "Clarity isn’t about perfection — it’s about choosing a diamond that looks flawless to you. The right balance creates beauty without compromise."

    — À Vie Gemmology Team

HOW CLARITY AFFECTS APPEARANCE

Move the slider to see how inclusions influence transparency and overall visual cleanliness.

Diamond clarity illustration

Clarity grade: VS2

Ready
FL
IF
VVS1
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
SI2
I1
I2
I3
Flawless
(FL–IF)
Very Very Small Inclusions
(VVS1–VVS2)
Very Small Inclusions
(VS1–VS2)
Small Inclusions
(SI1–SI2)
Included
(I1–I3)

Diamond Clarity Grading

Understanding clarity grades Very Small Inclusions

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3), with each grade representing different levels of visible imperfections.

Most inclusions are microscopic and don't affect the diamond's beauty or structural integrity when viewed with the naked eye.

How Diamond Clarity Is Graded

Diamond graders use 10x magnification to evaluate clarity, assessing the size, type, and placement of inclusions. While these features make every diamond unique, most are invisible to the naked eye, meaning you can often prioritise size or cut without sacrificing beauty.

Custom image

Diamond Clarity Explained by GIA

In this video, experts from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explain how clarity is graded and why most inclusions don’t impact what you see. Discover why “eye-clean” diamonds often provide the best value.

Contact form