A diamond clarity chart literally shows you how diamond clarity is derived.

Clarity is a measure of the number and extent of the flaws in the diamond.

Generally speaking, the fewer the flaws, the more valuable the diamond.

Completely flawless diamonds are extremely rare only a few hundred FL diamonds are produced per year worldwide.

There are several grading systems used to describe clarity.

By far, the most popular diamond clarity chart is the Gemological Institute of America’s (G.I.A.) scale, which ranks diamonds as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), very very slightly included (VVSI), very slightly included (VSI), slightly imperfect (SI), and imperfect (I):

The G.I.A. scale has specific criteria that are used to differentiate between the different clarity grades.

Flawless – No internal or external flaws.

Internally Flawless – No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.

VVS1, VVS2 – Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification.

An excellent quality diamond.

VS1, VS2 – Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye.

Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2 – Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification.

SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

Prices are reasonable when compared to prices of the VS2 clarity and up grades.

SI3 – Slightly Included-EGL: SI3 is an EGL grade and is not recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions.

It may be graded by GIA as either SI2 or I1. SI3

Diamonds never have any black inclusions or cracks visible to the naked eye, but may have some very minor white inclusions which can be seen with the naked eye.

I1 – Included: an I1 clarity diamond will have a visible flaw which can be seen with the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious.

If your budget only allows for an SI3 or I1 clarity diamond, be sure to examine it thoroughly before purchasing and make sure you can not see any inclusions.

I2, I3

Included: These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and appear cloudy from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks. Consider avoiding I2 – I3 diamonds.

Below is a Diamond clarity chart explaining clarity abbreviations;