Introduction: The Truth About Flaws
Clarity is one of the 4Cs that most buyers find confusing and it's also one of the most forgiving. It refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. While perfection sounds ideal, the truth is that most inclusions are microscopic and don’t affect beauty.
Let’s decode what clarity really means and how to choose the right grade for your diamond.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Clarity is the assessment of a diamond’s internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface irregularities (blemishes) under 10x magnification.
Grading Scale (GIA):
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FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes
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IF (Internally Flawless): Only surface blemishes
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VVS1, VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Extremely difficult to see
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VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions, difficult to detect
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SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Noticeable under magnification, some may be visible to the eye
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I1, I2, I3 (Included): Obvious inclusions, visible to the naked eye
Which Clarity Grade Should You Choose?
The goal is to find a “eye-clean” diamond, one where inclusions are not visible without magnification. Here's how to shop smart:
- Best Value: VS1 or VS2, invisible to the naked eye but more affordable than higher grades
- Flawless Look: VVS1 or IF, for customers who want perfection
- Budget-Conscious: SI1, can still appear clean depending on placement of inclusions
Yoona Tip: We focus on VS1 and above to ensure brilliance, integrity, and elegance in every piece.
Do Inclusions Affect Durability?
Most inclusions don’t impact a diamond’s strength. However, large or surface-reaching inclusions (especially in I1–I3) can make a diamond more prone to damage. That’s why we avoid them in our curated selection.
Clarity in Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds often contain metallic inclusions (from the growth process), but high-quality stones can be just as clear and brilliant as mined diamonds.
At Yoona, we hand-select only the top-performing diamonds that pass both visual inspection and certification from IGI or GIA.
Final Thought: Clarity Is About Visibility, Not Perfection
Unless you're shopping with a microscope, you don’t need a flawless diamond. A well-cut, VS1 or VS2 diamond will look stunning and perform beautifully and let you invest more in size or setting.
Shop smart, not just by grade.
