Diamond clarity describes the relative presence or absence of internal characteristics called inclusions and surface characteristics called blemishes.

Inclusions are internal or partly internal characteristics formed during a diamond’s natural growth or introduced during cutting. Examples include crystals, feathers, clouds and needles.

Blemishes are surface characteristics such as polish lines, abrasions, naturals or extra facets.

The GIA clarity scale includes Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included and Included, with subgrades where applicable.

FL means Flawless. No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader under 10× magnification.

IF means Internally Flawless. No inclusions are visible under 10× magnification, though minor blemishes may be present.

VVS means Very Very Slightly Included. Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.

VS means Very Slightly Included. Inclusions are minor and may range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.

SI means Slightly Included. Inclusions are noticeable under 10× magnification and may sometimes be visible without magnification, depending on the stone.

I means Included. Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency, durability or appearance.

Eye-clean is an informal trade term for a diamond whose inclusions are not readily visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions. It is not an official GIA grade.

Many VS2 diamonds are eye-clean, but visibility depends on size, shape, inclusion type, location, contrast and the viewer.

Yes. Some SI1 diamonds can appear eye-clean, especially when inclusions are small, pale or near the edge, but each diamond must be evaluated individually.

VVS can appeal to buyers who value rarity and very high clarity, but the visual difference from a well-selected VS diamond may be difficult to see without magnification.

Clarity and sparkle are separate factors. Most inclusions do not meaningfully reduce sparkle, but large clouds, heavy inclusions or transparency issues can affect light performance.

Yes. Brilliant cuts can hide inclusions with complex reflections, while step cuts such as emerald and Asscher often make inclusions easier to see through their broad open facets.

As carat size increases, inclusions can become easier to see because the stone has a larger visible area.

Inclusions near the edge may be less noticeable and can sometimes be concealed by a prong, provided they do not create durability concerns.

Many feathers are harmless, but risk depends on size, depth, position and whether the feature reaches the surface or girdle.

A cloud is a group of tiny pinpoint inclusions. Small clouds may have little effect, while extensive clouds can reduce transparency.

A crystal is a mineral crystal enclosed within the diamond. Its visibility depends on size, color, relief and location.

A needle is a thin elongated internal crystal. Needles can be difficult to see depending on orientation and contrast.

A pinpoint is a very small crystal visible under magnification. Isolated pinpoints are often insignificant.

A cavity is an angular opening at the surface created when part of a crystal breaks away during polishing. Size and location determine significance.

A natural is a small portion of the original rough diamond surface left on the polished diamond, usually near the girdle.

A clarity plot is a diagram on some grading reports showing the approximate type and position of clarity characteristics.

No. Report formats vary. Some include a plotted diagram while others list characteristics without a full plot.

GIA evaluates the size, number, position, nature and relief of clarity characteristics under 10× magnification.

Both are Very Slightly Included. VS1 inclusions are generally less noticeable to a skilled grader than VS2 inclusions.

Many buyers choose an eye-clean VS or carefully selected SI diamond, but the best grade depends on shape, size, setting and personal preference.

Emerald cuts often justify greater clarity emphasis because their large open facets reveal the interior more clearly.

For earrings, eye-clean appearance and matching are often more important than very high clarity because the stones are viewed from a greater distance.

For pendants, focus on eye-clean appearance and center-stone visibility. For tennis necklaces, consistency and overall sparkle are usually more important than high clarity in every small stone.

A prong or bezel may conceal a small edge inclusion, but setting should never be used to ignore a feature that could affect durability.

Yes. The pattern of inclusions can act like a natural fingerprint and help distinguish one diamond from another.

Fluorescence and clarity are separate characteristics. Fluorescence describes a reaction to ultraviolet light, while clarity concerns inclusions and blemishes.

Not necessarily. Choose a clarity level that looks clean enough for your intended use, then balance the budget across cut, color, carat weight and setting quality.

Match the report number and measurements to the diamond and verify the report through GIA Report Check. Where a laser inscription is present, a professional can help confirm it.

Certificate coverage depends on the selected stone. S.Diamond typically provides GIA reports for round center diamonds from 0.18 ct and fancy-shape center diamonds from 0.30 ct, while smaller stones may be covered by an S.Diamond Certificate. Confirm the exact documentation for the selected piece.

S.Diamond offers natural diamond consultations at CentralWorld, 1st Floor, Jewelry Zone, Bangkok, where clients can compare clarity grades, shapes and settings.