Clarity is method to quantify how clean a diamond is in reference to other diamonds. A diamond’s internal and surface flaws, referred to as inclusions and may appear as tiny black spots, clouds, or cavities, are viewed with a magnification of 10 times and compared to a reference scale to provide each certified diamond a clarity grade.
International classification of diamonds
Abbreviations and definitions
| FL | Internally flawless at a magnification of 10 times. | |
| IF | Internally flawless at a magnification of 10 times with possibly some surface blemishes. | |
| VVS1 | Very, very small inclusions at a magnification of 10 times. | |
| VVS2 | Very, very small inclusions at a magnification of 10 times. Slightly larger inclusions than VVS1. | |
| VS1 | Very small inclusions at a magnification of 10 times. | |
| VS2 | Very small inclusions at a magnification of 10 times. Slightly larger inclusions than VS1. | |
| SI1 |
Small inclusions at a magnification of 10 times. |
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| SI2 |
Small inclusions at a magnification of 10 times. Slightly larger inclusions than SI1. |
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| I1 |
Inclusions recognized with the naked eye, does not diminish the brilliance. |
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| I2 | Inclusions recognized with the naked eye, slightly diminishes the brilliance. | |
| I3 | Inclusions recognized with the naked eye, clearly diminishes the brilliance. | |