Visual chart
Diamond Clarity Chart
GIA clarity grades from Flawless to Included. The most important real-world threshold is between SI1 (often invisible to the eye) and SI2 (often visible). Spending past VS2 buys you inclusions even loupes can't see.
| Grade | Meaning | Eye visible? |
|---|---|---|
FL Flawless | No internal or external flaws under 10× magnification. | No |
IF Internally Flawless | No internal flaws; minor surface marks under 10×. | No |
VVS1 Very Very Slightly Included 1 | Inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10×. | No |
VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included 2 | Inclusions very difficult to see under 10×. | No |
VS1 Very Slightly Included 1 | Inclusions difficult to see under 10×. | No |
VS2 Very Slightly Included 2 | Inclusions somewhat easy to see under 10×. | No |
SI1 Slightly Included 1 | Inclusions noticeable under 10×, sometimes eye-clean. | Maybe |
SI2 Slightly Included 2 | Inclusions easy to see under 10×, often eye-visible. | Often |
I1 Included 1 | Inclusions obvious to the naked eye. | Yes |
I2 Included 2 | Inclusions affect transparency. | Yes |
I3 Included 3 | Inclusions affect transparency and brilliance. | Yes |
Buy rule: "Eye-clean SI1" is the price-performance sweet spot. VS2 is the ceiling at which clarity stops mattering visually. Above VS2 you're paying for spec, not appearance.