Know your diamond clarity

Clarity greatly varies from one diamond to another and no two diamonds are exactly alike. Below are some simplified definitions of clarity variations to help you shop for a diamond or engagement ring.

FL: Flawless – the diamond has no internal or external inclusions of any kind visible under magnification for a trained eye. This is a rare and expensive diamond.
IF: Internally Flawless – this diamond has no internal inclusions visible under magnification to a trained eye. There may be some small external irregularities in the finish.
VVS-1: Very Very Slightly Included 1 - one tiny inclusion may be visible only to a trained eye under 10x magnification.
VVS-2: Very Very Slightly Included 2 - tiny inclusions that will on be visible to a trained eye under 10x magnification.
VS-1: Very Slightly Included 1 – under 10 magnification very small inclusions may be visible on the gemstone.
VS-2: Very Slightly Included 2 - several very small inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
SI-1: Slightly Included 1 - small inclusions visible with 10x magnification.
SI-2: Slightly Included 2 - several small inclusions visible with magnification on the diamond.
SI-3: Slightly Included 3 – a trained observer may see inclusions with the naked eye on the gemstone.
I-1: Included 1 - flaws that may be visible to the naked eye.
I-2: Included 2 - many flaws clearly visible to the naked eye. May decrease the diamond’s brilliance.
I-3: Included 3 - many flaws clearly visible to the naked eye. With this grade the brilliance and structure of the diamond decreases dramatically. The diamond may crack or chip easily.