Diamond Guide

During their formation deep within the Earth under immense pressure and heat, diamonds can develop imperfections in their crystal structure and trap mineral impurities.

The size and quantity of these imperfections determine a diamond's clarity grade. Flawless diamonds, lacking such impurities, are exceedingly rare.

There are 11 clarity grades in the GIA clarity grading system and the clarity scale ranges from Flawless/Internally Flawless (FL/IF) at the top, down through Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1/VVS2) and Very Slightly Included (VS1/VS2), to Slightly Included (SI1/SI2) and Included (I1, I2, I3).

For our jewelry at Moregola we use diamonds with a clarity between VS1 and IF, but mostly VS1.

More details about the Diamond ratings of GIA Clarity Grading System

Example of a diamond with FL GIA grading

Flawless

Diamonds graded "Flawless" represent the pinnacle of the GIA Clarity Grading System. Even under 20x magnification, these diamonds reveal no inclusions or blemishes, even to the trained eye of an expert. Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare – so rare, in fact, that you could spend a lifetime in the jewelry industry and never encounter one. Their exceptional rarity commands top prices.

Example of a diamond with IF GIA grading

Internally Flawless

While diamonds graded "Internally Flawless" also don't have any visible inclusions, some blemishes are visible on the surface to a skilled grader using a 10x magnifier. These blemishes are so minor that they are not visible to the naked eye and do not affect the diamond's overall beauty or brilliance.

IF diamonds are also very rare and are usually only used in high jewelry pieces.

Example of a diamond with VVS1 GIA grading

Very, very slightly included

Under 10x magnification, a trained gemologist may detect minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to very difficult to see.

VVS comes in two grading degrees: VVS1 and VVS2. VVS1 rated diamonds have smaller and fewer inclusions that VVS2. They are typically located closer to the edges or pavilion (bottom) of the diamond, making them even harder to detect.

Both VVS1 and VVS2 offer exceptional clarity and are excellent choices for jewelry as they are both 99% of 1ct diamonds are eye-clean and there is no difference to the naked eye.

Example of a diamond with VS2 GIA grading

Very slightly incl. (VS1, VS2)

The inclusions of VS1 rated diamonds are still barely visible under 10x magnification. 95% of VS1 1ct diamonds are eye-clean. Inclusions are often located near the diamond's girdle (outer edge) or pavilion (bottom), making them less noticeable.

The inclusions of VS2 diamonds are almost always noticeable with a 10x magnifier and 85% of VS2 1ct diamonds are eye-clean. Inclusions may be located closer to the diamond's center or table (top), potentially making them a bit more visible under magnification.

VS1 and VS2 are both considered high grade and are excellent choices for fine jewelry.

Example of a diamond with SI1 GIA grading

Slightly included (SI1, SI2)

SI graded diamonds have noticeable inclusions under 10x notification which are easy to see for a skilled grader.

SI1 - For most diamond shapes, excluding step cuts like Asscher and Emerald, SI1 clarity diamonds typically appear flawless to the naked eye. About 50% of SI1 diamonds with 1ct size are eye-clean.

SI2 - Inclusions are clearly evident under 10x magnification and are likely visible without magnification, regardless of the diamond's cut. Only about 15% of 1ct diamonds graded SI2 are eye-clean.

It's important to carefully examine a diamond (or view high-resolution images/videos) before purchasing to ensure you're happy with its clarity and overall appearance.

SI diamonds are still commonly used in jewelry, but at Moregola Fine Jewelry we avoid using them unless they are completely eye-clean.

Example of a diamond with I2 GIA grading

Included (I1, I2, I3)

I1-I3 grated diamonds have noticeable inclusions to the naked eye, even on brilliant cuts. The inclusions in I-graded diamonds might affect the transparency and brilliance of the diamond.

Only about 1% of diamonds with 1ct and SI1 rating are eye-clean. And 0% of I2 or I3 graded 1ct diamonds are eye-clean.

Usually I-grated diamonds are not used for fine jewelry. Some jewelry might use them for very small diamonds where the inclusions can't be seen with the naked eye.

Moregola's Expert Tip

Since inclusions in VS1 or higher clarity diamonds are only visible under magnification, choosing such a high grade is a matter of personal preference that goes beyond what the naked eye can perceive. However, larger diamonds with these top grades are rarer and command premium prices, often making them a better investment choice.