Diamond “Clarity” Abbreviations Stand For and What They Mean

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the most widely used Diamond Clarity Grade Scale.  All Grade Descriptions are based on a Skilled Grader working with proper magnification and lighting.  The following list summarizes the various Grades:

• FI = Flawless:  No inclusions or blemishes visible at 10x
• IF = Internally Flawless:  No inclusions and only minor blemishes visible at 10x
• VVS1 = Very, Very Slightly Included:  Minute inclusions extremely difficult to see at 10x
• VVS2 = Very, Very Slightly Included:  Minute inclusions very difficult to see at 10x
• VS1 = Very Slightly Included:  Minor inclusions fairly difficult to see at 10x
• VS2 = Very Slightly Included:  Minor inclusions fairly easy to see at 10x
• SI1  = Slightly Included:  Noticeable inclusions easy to see at 10x
• SI2 = Slightly Included:  Noticeable inclusions very easy to see at 10x **
• I1 = Included:  Significant inclusions usually visible  without magnification
• I2 = Included:  Significant inclusions easily visit without magnification
• I3 – Included:  Significant inclusions obvious without magnification; may also threaten durability.

**  NOTE:  A small percentage of SI Diamonds have inclusions that can be seen without magnification.  Some organizations grade these Diamonds SI3, but GIA does not use that Grade.

Clarity’s effect on value is based on natural rarity.  Most Diamonds have Clarity characteristics.  The fewer and less significant the characteristics are, the higher the Clarity Grade and the rarer and more expensive the Diamond is.

Only about 2% of all Gem Quality Diamonds are Flawless.  VVS is the highest Grade normally seen in Jewellery stores, and many fine Diamonds are in the VS to SI range.

Decisions about Clarity often depend on personal priorities.  For those who are quality-conscious, rarity and the high standards of Clarity Grading can be very important.  To others, Grade distinctions do not matter much, and the main consideration is the Diamond’s beauty and individuality.

To learn more about the 4C’s of a Diamond and what Clarity Grades you should buy, contact your Professional Jeweller.