What Is The Best Clarity For A Diamond? A Buyer’s Guide

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 natural 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?

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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 in natural diamonds 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 shoppers seeking the best balance of beauty and value in a natural diamond, the ideal clarity grade often comes down to whether imperfections are visible without magnification and whether they impact the diamond’s transparency, sparkle and overall visual appeal.

Understanding the Diamond Clarity Chart

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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 have 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 often 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)

Obvious inclusions that are visible without magnification and may affect brilliance and structural integrity. Often avoided for center stones in fine jewelry, but may be suitable for side stones or very cost-conscious purchases.

So, What is the Best Clarity for a Diamond?

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18k White Gold Tacori Dantela Crown Diamond Engagement Ring

The Diamond Clarity Scale: What to Look for When Choosing a Diamond

Clarity measures the presence of imperfections in a diamond. These imperfections include blemishes (surface flaws) and inclusions (internal flaws), which form naturally during the diamond’s creation deep within the Earth.

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 diamonds at the top of the scale. 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 purity, 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 super ideal. We also offer more budget-friendly and premium quality 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 full knowlege and confidence.

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 Jewelry Store

From loose diamonds to complete engagement rings, Whiteflash delivers top quality, full transparency, and outstanding customer care that make your investment truly valuable.

VVS1 Clarity Diamonds Guide

Representing less than 1% of the world’s diamonds, VVS1 clarity natural diamonds are very pure and rare. 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 and their scarcity is reflected in higher prices.

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.

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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 AGS are sister organizations and are the two leading authorities on diamond grading. In 2022 GIA acquired the AGS light performance cut grading technology and now issues an AGS Ideal addendum report, along with their standard grading report, for diamonds that qualify.

Choosing a VVS1 Diamond

Choosing the right natural 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 ‘collection quality’ diamond. At this level of purity, you are paying not only for beauty but for rarity and exclusivity – a quality well beyond that which can be determined by the naked eye. For shoppers truly looking for the best-of-the-best, the Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE Collection Series features super ideal cut diamonds in the colorless (DEF) and VVS plus clarity range.

It is often possible to drop several clarity grades and still find a diamond that is visually spotless for significantly less than 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, and the smartest diamond shoppers 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

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1.067 G VVS1 Round Ideal

A CUT ABOVE®

$7,400


Light Perf.
Polish
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0.80 D VVS1 Round Ideal

A CUT ABOVE®

$5,400


Light Perf.
Polish
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Crown Angle
Star
Pavilion Angle
Crown %
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0.80 F VVS1 Round Ideal

A CUT ABOVE®

$4,950


Light Perf.
Polish
Symmetry
Depth %
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Crown Angle
Star
Pavilion Angle
Crown %
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0.71 G VVS1 Round Ideal

A CUT ABOVE®

$2,795


Light Perf.
Polish
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Table %
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Star
Pavilion Angle
Crown %
Lower Girdle
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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 caused by impurities and the immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth over millions of years. In lab-grown diamonds, inclusions appear as impurities of high-tech growth methods like HPHT or CVD, though these inclusion types are generally 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 clustered very close together, which can dull brilliance if large or dense enough.
Crystals: Actual crystals of many different mineral types trapped inside the diamond, sometimes colorless, other times dark.
Graining: Faint lines or striations in the crystal structure, 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 can be 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 clarity characteristics that look similar, the cause and terminology often differs.

For example:

A crystal in a natural diamond might be labelled a growth remnant in a lab-grown stone. And a metal flux inclusion in a lab diamond can look like a crystal inclusion in natural diamond.

Grading labs like GIA and IGI adjust terminology slightly depending on a diamond’s origin to reflect these nuances. Studying inclusions carefully can be a way for a gemologist to identify natural vs lab grown diamonds.

Why Clarity Characteristics Matter

Clarity affects more than beauty. It influences:

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:

Beauty
Budget
Brilliance

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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, alongside designer engagement ring settings from renowned names like Tacori and Verragio. Whiteflash also offers the best-of-the-best in affordable in-house lab grown diamonds in our Precision Lab brand. Our comprehensive diamond search tools, detailed grading reports, and HD imaging let you compare cuts, fully evaluate quality, 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 top quality, full transparency, and exceptional customer care to make shopping for your important piece easy and enjoyable.