Last Updated on 3rd April 2025
Buying an engagement ring should feel magical and not like you’re decoding a science textbook. But suddenly you’re swimming in terms like VS1, SI2, Triple Excellent, and No Fluorescence… and all you really wanted was the sparkliest diamond in the room.
It sounds fancy and official, so it must be legit, right? Hand over your money and hope for the best?
But you don’t have to be an expert to learn these labels. Chances are, you’re here now because you’ve already started delving deeper. Knowing the clarity grades is one thing, but seeing the difference in different carat sizes, colors, and shapes is a whole new level of diamond knowledge.
A generalized clarity grading won’t give you much information. So in this post, we are going to compare clarity grades using a tool that can let you see beneath the surface. What will you get out of this aside from a better understanding? Probably the biggest bang for your buck!
Diamond Clarity Grading in a Nutshell
Virtually all diamonds have flaws that can’t be seen by the naked eye. These imperfections are called inclusions (internal) or blemishes (seen on diamond polish). Read more about inclusion types here!
| Diamond Clarity Grades Comparison | |||
| Clarity Grade | Visible Inclusions | Eye Clean? | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| IF (Internally Flawless) | None under 10x magnification | Yes | Overkill for most buyers |
| VVS1 | Extremely hard to detect under 10x | Yes | Perfect for collectors or purists |
| VVS2 | Very hard to detect under 10x | Yes | Great quality, rarely needed |
| VS1 | Tiny inclusions under 10x | Yes | Safe bet for perfectionists |
| VS2 | Slightly more visible under 10x | Yes (almost always) | Best clarity-for-value sweet spot |
| SI1 | Noticeable under 10x | Sometimes | Can be eye clean—check carefully |
| SI2 | Clearly visible under 10x, maybe to naked eye | Rarely | Needs visual inspection before buying |
| I1 | Obvious without magnification | No | Only for very tight budgets |
Some are severe while some are microscopic, so to better rank these flaws, GIA grades diamonds with their 11-point diamond clarity scale. It depicts the size, number, color, and position of flaws that a skilled grader can make out under 10x magnification.
These two images below show GIA diamond plots of two SI1 clarity diamonds, and they perfectly demonstrate why you can’t rely on the grading report alone to determine if a diamond is eye clean.
The diamond on the left is eye clean, even though the plot looks busy. That’s because most inclusions are positioned toward the edges (near the girdle) and are smaller or less noticeable from a face-up view. Their placement minimizes visual impact in real-life viewing.
In contrast, the diamond on the right is not eye clean, even though it has fewer plotted inclusions. The key issue? The inclusion cluster is located dead center in the table, which is the most visible part of the diamond. This central positioning makes it far more likely that you’ll spot the flaw with your naked eye, despite what the plot might suggest.
Moral of the story: Inclusion position matters just as much as quantity when evaluating eye cleanliness.
Two diamonds can have similar-looking plots, but their clarity grades can be very different. For example, a SI2 diamond may show only a few clarity marks, but the severity can only be seen in its photograph.
Also, a diamond plot can possess a lot of markings, but it could only be white feather inclusions that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Since the color of inclusion is not taken into consideration, it is, therefore, of paramount importance to have a real look at your diamond before buying it!
Let`s Compare Clarity Grades Side by Side
As I have explained in my post about diamond clarity, you always want to make sure to have an eye-clean diamond. This means that you cannot detect any flaws with your bare eyes! If there are flaws inside a diamond that can only be seen with a 10x magnification loupe, it doesn’t matter. Unless of course, you want to buy an internally flawless (IF) diamond for idealistic reasons which is perfectly fine.
In fact, clarity grades of IF, VVS1, VVS2, and VS1 will ALWAYS be eye-clean! At least for me, I could never make out an inclusion with my bare eyes in such diamonds! Just make sure that it’s graded by either GIA or AGS.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common clarity grade comparisons. By seeing these grades side by side, you’ll get a much better feel for how visible inclusions really are and where you can save without sacrificing beauty.
IF vs. I1
This might seem like an absurd comparison, no one seriously weighs an Internally Flawless diamond against an I1 diamond. But it’s exactly this contrast that helps you see the full range of what’s possible, from perfection to noticeable flaws.
Most online diamond shops restrict their diamonds from IF to I3 clarity grades as FL diamonds are too rare and considered as overkill by the average consumer. While I2 and I3 are just never eye clean.
IF stones make up less than 1% of the world’s gem quality diamonds. It’s free of any inclusions under 10x magnification and is the priciest grade. I1 diamonds, on the other hand, display obvious inclusions under 10x magnification that affect brilliance and transparency. Even though most I1 diamonds are not eye clean, you can still find eye clean stones if you really take time searching.
Regarding the two diamonds above, both are G color, but the I1 clarity diamond looks noticeably darker. This isn’t because of body color. Both stones are equally colorless, but because of the heavy inclusions scattered across the I1 diamond. These flaws block light from bouncing around the diamond, which reduces sparkle and makes it appear duller. To the naked eye, the IF diamond will look bright and crisp, while the I1 may seem cloudy or shadowed, especially under direct light.
VVS1 vs. VVS2
Now we’re getting into the elite clarity grades: VVS1 and VVS2. While the differences are nearly invisible to the naked eye, understanding what sets them apart can help you avoid overpaying for microscopic perfection.
Judging from the samples above, VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are practically indistinguishable, especally to the naked eye. Inclusions in both grades are incredibly tiny, and even under 10x magnification, only a trained gemologist could spot them.
On a theoretical level, the distinction lies in the location and number of those minuscule flaws. If the inclusions are found on the pavilion side (the bottom part of the diamond), it’s typically graded as VVS1. If they’re located closer to the crown or table (the top half), it’s graded as VVS2. But in real-world terms? You’d never notice the difference without a loupe and expert training, which is why many buyers find VVS2 a smarter value choice.
VS1 vs. VS2
Now we’re entering the zone of serious value. VS1 and VS2 are both considered “very slightly included,” and most diamonds in these grades are eye clean. But for the savvy shopper, understanding the subtle difference between the two can mean saving money without sacrificing beauty.
Both the VS1 and VS2 diamonds shown here are completely eye clean, meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye under normal viewing conditions. Even under close-up inspection or strong lighting, these diamonds appear identical in real-world settings.
However, if you take a look at the VS2 diamond under 40x magnification, you’ll spot a tiny white crystal inclusion, subtly placed just off-center beneath one of the star facets. It’s a textbook example of a VS2-level inclusion: present, but discreet. Importantly, this flaw is completely invisible to the naked eye and you wouldn’t see it even if you held the diamond right up to your face.
Where the Difference Lies (Theoretically):
Theoretical differences between VS1 and VS2 rest on the size, number, and position of inclusions as seen under 10x magnification. VS1 diamonds typically have smaller or fewer inclusions, often positioned near the edges or pavilion. VS2 inclusions can be slightly larger or more centrally located, though still minor. In practice, both grades are considered eye clean in the vast majority of cases, especially under 2 carats.
SI1 vs. SI2
SI1 and SI2 clarity grades are where things start to get interesting and a bit risky. At this level, you’re entering the “budget-friendly” zone where inclusions become larger and more frequent. SI1 diamonds can still be eye clean, especially in smaller carat weights or well-cut stones, while SI2 diamonds often have visible inclusions that can affect the brilliance if not carefully selected.
When examining the SI1 diamond on the left, there is a slightly hazy inclusion located near the center, but it is extremely faint and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Any internal characteristics are subtle and well-placed, making this diamond a great example of an eye-clean SI1. You’d need magnification to spot the inclusion, which makes it an ideal candidate for buyers looking to maximize value without compromising on beauty.
In contrast, the SI2 diamond on the right reveals a dark inclusion directly in the center of the table, the most noticeable part when the diamond is set. This inclusion is clearly visible without magnification and slightly diminishes the diamond’s brilliance. While the stone may still be structurally fine, this particular SI2 is not eye-clean, and the inclusion stands out in casual viewing.
That said, eye-clean SI2 diamonds do exist, but they are less common and require close inspection. If you’re looking to stretch your budget while still getting a stone that looks flawless to the eye, VS2 and SI1 are your best bets: They hit the sweet spot for clarity, often appearing just as clean as higher grades for a fraction of the price.
How Clarity Appears in Different Carat Weights
As a diamond’s carat weight increases, its surface area becomes larger, especially the table (the flat top part), which is where inclusions are most visible. This means that inclusions that would go unnoticed in a 0.90-carat diamond might be easier to spot in a 3-carat stone, even if both share the same clarity grade. The magnified canvas of a larger diamond makes every internal feature more apparent, and the risk of visible flaws rises sharply in SI2 and even SI1 grades.
For this reason, it’s generally advisable to opt for a higher clarity grade (such as VS2 or better) when shopping for diamonds above 1.5 carats, especially if you’re particular about eye cleanliness. On the flip side, diamonds under 1 carat offer more forgiveness, an SI1 or even a carefully chosen SI2 may look completely flawless to the naked eye. So while carat weight adds sparkle, it also demands more attention to clarity if you want your diamond to dazzle from every angle.
In our case the 0.90 ct G-SI1 diamond on the left is eye-clean. There’s no visible inclusion even with moderate zoom, and the stone retains strong brilliance and sparkle. Any inclusions seem well hidden or minimal enough to escape the naked eye, especially at this smaller carat weight where the table is smaller and less surface is exposed.
The 3.01 ct G-SI1 diamond, however, does not appear fully eye-clean. There’s a fairly noticeable dark inclusion just beneath the table area that becomes visible even at lower magnification. In a stone of this size, inclusions are naturally more exposed due to the larger surface area and depth, and SI1 clarity becomes riskier.
While both stones carry the same clarity grade, carat weight dramatically impacts visibility of inclusions. The 0.90 ct SI1 is a great value option and eye-clean, while the 3.01 ct version shows the typical risk of larger diamonds: inclusions that creep into visibility. For diamonds above 2.5 carats, it’s often safer to go VS2 or better if you want guaranteed eye-cleanliness.
How Clarity Appears in Different Diamond Shapes
Clarity also doesn’t behave the same across all diamond shapes. While round cuts are excellent at hiding inclusions thanks to their brilliant faceting and light return, other shapes like emerald, asscher, or baguette cuts feature open, step-cut facets that act more like windows, making flaws easier to spot. That means the same SI1 clarity grade can look flawless in a round diamond but reveal visible inclusions in an emerald cut.
When comparing the round cut VS2 diamond (left) with the emerald cut VS2 diamond (right), the difference in how clarity appears is immediately noticeable. The round brilliant cut is exceptionally good at hiding inclusions due to its intense sparkle and light return. In this case, the round VS2 diamond looks completely eye-clean, with no visible flaws even under close inspection. Its many facets scatter light in different directions, effectively masking any minor internal features that would otherwise be visible in step-cut shapes.
The emerald cut diamond, on the other hand, reveals a different story. Despite sharing the same VS2 clarity grade, which is usually considered a safe choice, the inclusion in this particular emerald cut is clearly visible even without magnification. This example highlights a crucial truth: not even a VS2 grade is guaranteed to be eye-clean in an emerald cut. Because of their large, open table and fewer facets, emerald cuts tend to showcase inclusions more prominently. If you’re shopping for an emerald cut, it’s often wiser to aim for VS1 or higher to ensure true eye cleanliness.
Here’s a helpful reference showing how each shape handles inclusions, and what clarity grade you should typically aim for:
| Recommended Diamond Clarity by Shape | |||
| Diamond Shape | Recommended Minimum Clarity Grade | Why This Grade? | Eye-Clean Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Cut | VS2 – SI1 | Brilliant cut hides inclusions well | Low – Usually eye-clean |
| Princess Cut | VS2 | Pointed corners are fragile and reveal flaws | Moderate |
| Cushion Cut | SI1 | Depth and sparkle hide most inclusions | Low |
| Oval Cut | VS2 | Bowtie effect + surface area expose flaws | Moderate |
| Pear Shape | VS2 | Tip and bowtie area make flaws more noticeable | Moderate to High |
| Marquise Cut | VS2 – VS1 | Sharp ends and narrow body can expose flaws | High |
| Emerald Cut | VS1 or better | Step-cut exposes everything due to large open facets | Very High |
| Asscher Cut | VS1 or better | Like emerald cut, highly transparent | Very High |
| Radiant Cut | SI1 | Good brilliance masks many flaws | Low to Moderate |
| Heart Shape | VS2 | Complex shape makes flaws visible near the cleft or point | Moderate |
While round cuts are the easiest bet for finding eye-clean stones at lower clarity grades, other shapes like emerald or Asscher demand more scrutiny due to their transparent nature. Fancy shapes, especially those with pointed tips or large open facets, reveal more than you’d expect, so clarity matters more than you might think. When in doubt, always examine magnified images and stick to safer clarity zones recommended for each shape. That way, you get maximum sparkle without paying for invisible perfection.
How Clarity Interacts with Diamond Color
Clarity and color go hand in hand as they both contribute to the visual appeal of the diamond. In this example, the white inclusions on the K color diamond (right side) are more noticeable than those in the D color diamond (left side), even though both stones have the same SI1 clarity grade. This isn’t because the K diamond is lower in quality, but rather because its yellowish tint contrasts with the white inclusions, making them pop. Meanwhile, the icy whiteness of the D color stone helps blend in the flaws, maintaining a cleaner visual impression overall.
The D color diamond, with its colorless body, naturally hides lighter inclusions better. When examined closely, you might still spot a few inclusions under magnification, but to the naked eye, it appears perfectly clean. That’s one of the big advantages of colorless diamonds when it comes to clarity, they’re more forgiving. On the other hand, the K color diamond shows inclusions more readily. Even small white feathers or clouds can stand out when surrounded by warmer body color, which can slightly reduce the sparkle and transparency when viewed without magnification.
Some clarity grades handle warm diamond colors better than others. Here’s a quick guide showing how clarity and color interact visually and whether they amplify or soften each other:
| Clarity vs. Color Sensitivity | ||
| Clarity Grade | Color Sensitivity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IF – VVS1 | Low | Flaws are minimal, so color contrast stands out more |
| VVS2 – VS1 | Low to Moderate | Still crisp, but inclusions rarely affect warmth perception |
| VS2 – SI1 | Moderate | White inclusions can blend into warmer tones (I–K) |
| SI2 – I1 | High | Dark inclusions may look worse in yellow-tinted stones |
Inclusion visibility does not only depend on the clarity grade, but also on the interaction between the color of an inclusion and the diamond color. Warmer diamonds like K, J, or I can make certain clarity flaws, especially white or grayish inclusions, more prominent.
That’s why when shopping for lower color grades, it’s often smart to opt for a slightly higher clarity grade like VS2 or better to preserve a clean look. On the flip side, if you’re shopping in the D–F range, you can safely dip into the SI1 range, as long as the diamond is verified to be eye-clean.
The Sweet Spot for Best Value: VS2 – SI1
Now, to get the biggest bang for your buck, I always recommend choosing clarity grades of VS2, SI1, and SI2. All these grades can be eye clean depending on the kind of inclusion the diamond has. To better visualize how each clarity grade impacts price and visibility, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Diamond Clarity Grades vs. Price Impact | |||
| Clarity Grade | Typical Price Range (% of D Flawless) | Eye Clean? | Good Value? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IF (Internally Flawless) | 100% | Yes | ✖ |
| VVS1 | 90–95% | Yes | ✖ |
| VVS2 | 85–90% | Yes | ✖ |
| VS1 | 80–85% | Yes | ✔ |
| VS2 | 75–80% | Yes (almost always) | ✔✔ |
| SI1 | 65–75% | Sometimes | ✔✔ |
| SI2 | 55–65% | Rarely | ✔ (needs inspection) |
| I1 | 40–50% | No | ✖ unless desperate |
This side-by-side image below showcases how inclusions become increasingly visible as clarity grades drop. Starting with the VS2 diamond on the left, you’ll notice a very tiny inclusion right in the center, but even then, it’s incredibly hard to detect unless you’re zoomed in or using magnification. Most people wouldn’t spot it with the naked eye, which is why VS2 is still considered a sweet spot for value.
As we move further to the right, the inclusions become more prominent and more disruptive. In the SI1 and SI2 diamonds, you start to see darker, more obvious flaws that may affect the diamond’s brilliance. By the time you reach the I1 diamond on the far right, inclusions are no longer subtle, they are front and center. These white, hazy marks spread across the stone, dulling its sparkle and affecting its transparency.
Interestingly, while the I1 inclusions may appear softer in color compared to the dark spots seen in some SI2 examples, gemologists are primarily concerned with the size, location, and impact of the inclusion, not just the color. This comparison makes it clear why visual inspection is so important: clarity isn’t just a letter on a chart, it’s something you can see when you know what to look for:
Then, the image once again below perfectly illustrates the reality of what we like to call the “magical zone” of diamond clarity: VS2 to SI2. Each pair in the image shows one eye-clean diamond and one that isn’t, but all of them share the same clarity grade. On the surface, both VS2 diamonds are graded the same, yet one clearly has a visible inclusion, while the other looks flawless. The same contrast plays out in the SI1 and SI2 comparisons. That’s the tricky truth within this range, a diamond can be eye-clean, but it’s not guaranteed.
Take a closer look at the VS2 diamond on the bottom left. While it appears mostly clean, there’s a faint dark inclusion near the edge (between 4 and 5 o’clock) that makes it technically not eye-clean, especially if you know where to look or if the diamond is viewed from the side. It’s a very subtle imperfection, and for many buyers it might be acceptable, but under strict eye-clean standards, it doesn’t fully qualify. This illustrates just how nuanced the definition of “eye-clean” can be.
That’s why we call VS2, SI1, and SI2 clarity graded diamonds the magical zone. It is the sweet spot where you can find eye clean diamonds and save yourself a considerable amount of money! And in order to do so, you will have to look at your diamonds very carefully.
That’s why it’s so important to shop from vendors like James Allen, Blue Nile, and Whiteflash. James Allen has the largest online inventory of diamonds, giving you unmatched variety and the ability to compare dozens of stones at the same clarity grade. Blue Nile offers the second largest selection, also paired with crisp HD videos to help you judge eye cleanliness with confidence.
Whiteflash, on the other hand, is perfect if you’re after super ideal cut diamonds with unmatched brilliance. In this clarity range, where visual inspection is everything, having access to massive inventories and high-res imagery puts the power back in your hands and can save you thousands.
Our Key Takeaway
When it comes to diamond clarity, the sweet spot for best value lies between VS2 and SI1, and even SI2 but only if you choose carefully. These grades often look identical to higher-clarity diamonds to the naked eye, yet cost significantly less. However, not every diamond in this range is eye-clean, which makes visual inspection essential.
Also keep in mind that shape and carat weight matter. A VS2 round cut may be flawless to the eye, while a VS2 emerald cut may not be. Larger diamonds show inclusions more easily, and certain shapes (like step cuts or fancy tips) need stricter clarity grades for the same visual effect.
In short? If you want the best sparkle for your money:
Focus on VS2 – SI1,
Shop with vendors like James Allen, Blue Nile, or Whiteflash,
And always look with your own eyes, not just at the report.
That’s how you get an incredible diamond, without paying for perfection you can’t even see.