All natural diamonds carry traces of their geological history. Clarity describes the absence or presence of these inclusions, and knowing how far down you can go without compromising appearance is one of the best ways to save money.
Every natural diamond contains internal inclusions or surface blemishes, observed under 10x magnification. The smaller, fewer and less obvious they are, the higher the clarity.
| Grade | LC/IF | VVS1 | VVS2 | VS1-VS2 | SI1-SI2 | P1-P3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Loupe Clean | Very Very Small Inclusions | Very Very Small Inclusions | Very Small Inclusions | Small Inclusions | Pique (visible to the naked eye) |
Beyond VS2, nearly all diamonds are "eye-clean": their inclusions are only visible under a microscope, never to the naked eye. Paying to move from VS2 to VVS or IF makes sense for a collector or investor, but adds little visible difference for a ring worn daily.
A round brilliant, with its many facets, hides small inclusions better than an emerald or asscher cut, whose broad flat facets act like a window. On these step cuts, I always recommend aiming for at least VS1 to avoid any surprises.
The term "inclusion" covers several different realities, not all equally discreet. A pinpoint (a tiny crystal) is almost always invisible. A cloud (a slightly hazy zone) can dull the brilliance if it's extensive, even at a high grade on paper. A feather (an internal fracture) deserves particular attention: depending on its position, it can weaken the stone at a specific point. That's why I always review the full grading report with you in detail, not just the final grade.
View the D Collection →For a ring worn daily, VS1 or VS2 offers the best balance: the stone is eye-clean, without paying the premium for VVS or IF grades, which mostly matter to collectors.
Most SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, but not all, it depends on the position and type of inclusion. This is the grade where I most recommend examining the actual stone rather than relying on the number alone.
On a 1-carat diamond, the gap between VS1 and VVS1 is often around 15-25%, for a difference invisible to the naked eye in the vast majority of cases.
No: clarity is a natural, permanent characteristic set when the diamond forms. Some treatments (fracture filling, laser drilling) mask inclusions, but they're always noted on the certificate, and I don't offer them in my catalogue.
It depends on the shape. On a round brilliant, the eye is more sensitive to colour than clarity; on an emerald cut, it's the opposite. I can advise you precisely based on the shape you're considering.
It's the highest grade on the scale: no inclusions visible even under 10x magnification, examined by an experienced gemologist. These stones are rare and sought after by collectors, though the extra clarity above VVS remains invisible to the naked eye.
A gemologist examines the stone under 10x magnification and notes the size, number, position and visibility of each inclusion. The certificate also includes a plot diagram that maps each inclusion's exact location on the stone.
Yes. Clarity (pureté in French) measures the inclusions and blemishes visible under 10x magnification. It is one of the 4Cs, along with carat, colour and cut.
From purest to least pure: Flawless (FL) or Loupe Clean (LC), IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, then I1 to I3 at GIA, called P1 to P3 (piqué) at HRD.
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