By
Tiffany Moore
When shopping for a diamond, it can be challenging to know what to prioritize. Many buyers focus on carat weight and color, but clarity is just as important (if not more so!) to a diamond's overall beauty and sparkle. If you're wondering, 'What is the best clarity for a diamond?' you're not alone. This article will help you understand what diamond clarity means, why it matters, and how to choose the best clarity for your diamond.
Whiteflash's extensive education on diamond specifications and commitment to helping buyers find the perfect diamond for their unique preferences and budget make them the go-to source for all things clarity.
What is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the evaluation of a diamond’s internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. These naturally occurring or cutting-related features form during the diamond’s creation and handling. As one of the “4Cs” of diamond quality, clarity influences both the rarity and, at times, the visual brilliance of a stone.
Clarity is assessed under 10x magnification, the industry standard used by gemologists. A diamond receives a Flawless (FL) grade if no imperfections or blemishes are visible under this magnification. As inclusions become more numerous, larger, or more noticeable, the clarity grade decreases, ranging from Internally Flawless (IF) down to Included (I1–I3).
When to Splurge, and When to Save, on Clarity
While higher grades like VVS1 or VS1 are valued for their purity, many diamonds in lower grades, such as SI1, and even some SI2, can still appear eye-clean, especially when paired with a precision cut. On the other hand, stones with very low clarity may appear hazy or dull due to inclusions that interfere with light performance.
For buyers seeking the best balance of beauty and value, the ideal clarity grade often comes down to whether imperfections are visible without magnification and whether they impact the diamond’s sparkle and overall visual appeal.
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Understanding the Diamond Clarity Chart
The GIA Diamond Clarity Chart is the global standard for evaluating a diamond’s internal and external characteristics, known as inclusions and blemishes. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), this clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1–I3) and provides a reliable framework to judge a diamond's purity under 10x magnification.
Each grade reflects how visible, numerous, and severe the inclusions and blemishes are, which in turn affects both the diamond's beauty and value.
How Clarity Grades Affect Appearance, Price, and Practicality
Flawless (FL)
No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare, fewer than 1% of diamonds earn this grade.
Best suited for collectors or buyers who demand absolute perfection.
Internally Flawless (IF)
No internal inclusions, but may show minor surface blemishes like polishing lines. Nearly identical in appearance to FL, but more accessible and affordable. A premium option for those
seeking purity without paying top-tier prices.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2)
Microscopic inclusions that are difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. VVS1 has fewer or more favorably located inclusions than VVS2.
Offers a near-flawless appearance to the naked eye, ideal for those seeking top visual quality without going into FL/IF territory.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2)
Slight inclusions are visible under magnification, but are generally invisible to the unaided eye.
- VS1 tends to be eye-clean across all shapes and sizes.
- VS2 may exhibit some variation, offering a strong clarity tier that strikes a balance between quality and value.
Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2)
Inclusions are visible under magnification and sometimes without it, especially in SI2. Some
SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, particularly in smaller sizes or well-cut stones. A good choice for those prioritizing size or color on a budget.
Included (I1, I2, I3)
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So, What is the Best Clarity for a Diamond?
The Diamond Clarity Scale: What to Look for When Choosing a Diamond
The fewer of these imperfections, the higher the diamond's clarity grade, and generally, the better its appearance and value.
Balancing Clarity and Budget: Where to Maximize Your Spend
While high-clarity diamonds often appear more brilliant and sparkly, the difference becomes less noticeable between closely graded stones. For example, a VS1 diamond may look significantly cleaner than an SI2, yet a VVS1 and a Flawless (FL) diamond may appear virtually identical to the naked eye.
Ultimately, the best clarity for a diamond depends on personal preference and how visible the inclusions are without magnification. Many buyers prioritize eye-clean diamonds, those without visible flaws, over technical perfection, allowing more flexibility with budget.
Why Choose Whiteflash: Precision, Transparency, and Trust
At
Whiteflash, we offer an exceptional selection of loose diamonds, including our renowned natural A CUT ABOVE® precision-cut line and premium lab-grown options, as well as designer settings from names like Tacori and Verragio. With our advanced diamond search tools, HD imaging, and detailed grading reports, you can compare stones with confidence and clarity.
Our GIA-trained team is here to guide you every step of the way, whether you're:
- Browsing online
- Building a custom ring
- Visiting our Houston showroom
From loose diamonds to complete engagement rings,
Whiteflash delivers quality, transparency, and service that make your investment truly meaningful.
VVS1 Clarity Diamonds Guide
Representing less than 1% of the world’s diamonds, VVS1 clarity diamonds are a rare sight to behold. When viewed by eye, VVS1 diamonds are immaculately clean and fall just shy of the ‘
IF’ (internally flawless) and ‘
FL’ (flawless) grades. Sitting comfortably in the top end of the clarity scale, VVS1 clarity diamonds are two to three grades better than the average clarity selection for engagement rings in the USA – they are remarkable, rare diamonds and their scarcity is reflected in the price.
If you are deciding whether a VVS1 diamond could be the perfect choice for your engagement ring, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
What is a VVS1 Diamond?
VVS stand for ‘very, very slightly included’ –
VVS Grade Diamonds are split into two sub-categories; VVS1 and VVS2 – the number 1 tells you the diamond is at the top of the VVS scale. The GIA, the developer of the grading scale used by most laboratories in the world, defines VVS1 diamonds as possessing
‘Inclusions very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification’.
Only a trained professional working with a microscope will be able to spot inclusions in a VVS1 diamond. This also means the diamonds are guaranteed to be eye clean.
In the past, we have heard of customers pushed by salespeople to opt for VVS1 diamonds or higher, with claims that VVS2 diamonds and below can still contain problematic inclusions. In our decades of experience, we are yet to come across a diamond with a VVS grade that has transparency or durability issues due to inclusions. Does this mean a VVS1 diamond will automatically be beautiful? No, as with diamonds of all clarities, attention must also be paid to the diamond color, and especially, the cut quality.
The GIA and AGSL are sister organizations and are the two leading diamond grading laboratories. We only sell diamonds that have a report from one of these highly respected institutions. AGSL specializes in light performance cut grading and is just a rigorous and consistent as the GIA on assessing color and clarity. You can read more about how the AGS and GIA clarity grades compare on
this page.
Choosing a VVS1 Diamond
Choosing the right diamond will be influenced by a few key factors; budget, beauty and personal taste. Some people don’t care about rarity, they just want the best-looking diamond within their budget. For others, owning something extraordinary that hits the top tiers of quality is a crucial aspect of the search.
A VVS1 diamond combined with a high color grade and a exquisite cut would be considered a ‘collectors’ quality’ diamond. At this level of purity, you are paying not only for beauty but for rarity – a quality well beyond that which can be determined by the naked eye. Even in step cut diamonds (like emerald cut and asccher) which are notoriously unforgiving when it comes to clarity, VVS1 inclusions are so small that they will never be seen by without high magnification. Customers sometimes opt for a VVS1 to be absolutely sure their step cut is sparkling and free of visible flaws.
You could drop several clarity grades and still find a diamond that is visually flawless for a fraction of the price of a VVS1 diamond, so it is important to establish what matters the most to you. If you want a diamond with abundant fire and sparkle that works within your budget, going for an eye-clean diamond with a lower clarity grade and an incredible cut will deliver a truly stunning diamond. However, if you are a purveyor of only the finest things and yearn for a collectors quality diamond, a VVS1 might be the right choice for you.
For many customers, choosing a VVS1 diamond means going above and beyond what is needed to achieve a beautiful diamond, but for others it may be a compromise to suit budget. If you have dreamed of a flawless diamond (FL or IF) but don’t have the budget for it, a VVS1 diamond offers the opportunity to own a diamond that is still incredibly rare and is as optically flawless as an FL diamond.
Where Can I Buy a VVS1 Diamond?
A VVS1 diamond carries a premium, so the smartest diamond shoppers will know that the best prices can be found online. But, at this level, or indeed with any diamond purchase, you should only place your trust in vendors who provide you with every detail pertaining to your diamond, offering total transparency and exceptional quality.
Fortunately, you’re already in the right place! At Whiteflash, we stock a striking collection of VVS1 clarity diamonds; you can use the filter tools to search for loose diamonds that fit your specific criteria to find the VVS1 diamond of your dreams. Furthermore, our
A CUT ABOVE® Collection Series offers the chance to search for diamonds of the highest pedigree. This esteemed collection brings together the internationally acclaimed
A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut quality with top tier color and clarity grades (DEF and FL-VVS) for the most beautiful diamonds in the world.
VVS1 CLARITY DIAMONDS
1.067 G VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$7,795
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0.947 E VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$9,750
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0.80 H VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$3,475
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0.80 D VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$6,275
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Diamond Clarity Characteristics: Inclusions & Blemishes
Inclusions: The Diamond’s Inner World
Inclusions refer to the tiny
internal features that form during a diamond’s growth. In natural diamonds, these are usually caused by the immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth over millions of years. In lab-grown diamonds, inclusions appear due to high-tech growth methods like HPHT or CVD, though these inclusion types are different from natural diamonds and are often simply referred to as "growth remnants".
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Inclusions: What’s the Difference?
Here are some of the most common inclusions in natural diamonds:
- Pinpoints: Tiny white or dark dots within the diamond. These are the most common and typically don’t affect appearance unless clustered.
- Feathers: Small internal fractures that can resemble a white crack or feather. Minor ones are harmless, but larger feathers near the surface can affect durability.
- Clouds: Groups of pinpoints so close together they create a hazy area, which can dull brilliance if large or poorly placed.
- Crystals: Actual mineral crystals trapped inside the diamond, sometimes colourless, other times dark.
- Graining: Faint lines or streaks in the crystal structure, often from irregular growth.
- Needles: Long, thin inclusions resembling rods or tiny splinters.
- Knots: Inclusions that reach the surface, making them part of both the internal and external structure.
- Cavities: Angular holes inside the diamond, often left behind after a crystal inclusion is dislodged.
In lab-grown diamonds, inclusions may also include metallic flux (in
HPHT diamonds) or growth remnants (in CVD diamonds), which are visually similar to those in natural stones but form differently.
Blemishes: The Surface Story
Blemishes are features on the surface of a diamond. These may form naturally, during cutting and polishing, or from wear and tear after the diamond is set in jewelry.
Typical blemishes include:
- Abrasions: Tiny nicks along facet junctions, creating a fuzzy or white appearance.
- Chips: Small breaks or missing areas on the surface, often near the girdle or points.
- Naturals: Portions of the original rough diamond left unpolished, a sign the cutter maximized carat retention.
- Nicks: Small notches on the girdle or facet edges.
- Pits: Minuscule indentations on the surface, often appearing as white dots.
- Rough girdles: Unpolished or irregular girdle edges, sometimes a sign of rushed cutting.
- Scratches: Fine lines across the surface, often caused by contact with other diamonds.
Natural vs Lab Grown: Different Origins, Similar Traits
While both diamond types can have these clarity characteristics, the cause and terminology often differs.
A pinpoint in a natural diamond might be labelled a growth remnant in a lab-grown stone. A feather in both types may look identical, but the results are from different formation conditions.
Grading labs like GIA and IGI adjust terminology slightly depending on a diamond’s origin to reflect these nuances.
Why Clarity Characteristics Matter
- Value
- Durability
- Light Performance
A diamond with fewer, well-placed inclusions will sparkle more brilliantly and be more durable than one with large or poorly positioned inclusions. That’s why clarity grading is essential when evaluating diamonds, and why viewing high-resolution images or videos is so valuable during the buying process.
Understanding these clarity characteristics empowers buyers to select a diamond that strikes a balance between:
Find your Dream Engagement Ring and Loose Diamonds at Whiteflash Today!
When it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring or diamond jewelry, you want to make the right choice with complete confidence.
Whiteflash offers an extensive range of loose diamonds, including our precision-cut A CUT ABOVE® natural diamonds as well as lab-grown options, alongside designer engagement ring settings from renowned names like Tacori and Verragio. Our comprehensive diamond search tools, detailed grading reports, and HD imaging let you compare cuts, evaluate VVS quality diamonds, and understand exactly what you're purchasing before you buy.
With our GIA-trained team available to guide you through the selection process, you have access to both the premium inventory and expert knowledge needed to make an informed decision, whether:
- You're building a custom ring
- Choosing from our curated collections
- Exploring our Houston showroom
From loose diamonds to complete engagement rings, we provide the quality, transparency, and customer care that make your investment worthwhile.
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- Different Types of Engagement Rings
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