When buying a diamond, clarity is a term you’ll see often, but what does it mean, and what is the best clarity for a diamond? Simply put, clarity measures how “clean” a diamond is from natural imperfections, and it plays a key role in both sparkle and price.
At KRK Jewels, we believe in educating our customers so you can choose a diamond that’s stunning, smart, and suited to your budget.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the number, size, type, and position of internal inclusions and external blemishes. These are natural and occur during a diamond’s formation process (4Cs). The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grades diamonds on a clarity scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
Diamond Clarity Chart – Best to Worst
This chart shows each clarity grade and how it affects your diamond’s appearance and value.
| Clarity Grade | Meaning | Visible Inclusions? | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL (Flawless) | No inclusions or blemishes | No, even under 10x | Investors, collectors, high-luxury buyers |
| IF (Internally Flawless) | Only minor surface blemishes | No | Luxury buyers, statement solitaire diamonds |
| VVS1 & VVS2 | Very, very slight inclusions | Nearly impossible to spot | Heirloom pieces, classic engagement rings |
| VS1 & VS2 | Very slight inclusions | Invisible to the naked eye | Best balance of price and appearance |
| SI1 | Slight inclusions | Hard to detect | Budget-conscious buyers who want sparkle |
| SI2 | Noticeable under magnification | Sometimes visible | Smaller carat stones, hidden-halo designs |
| I1, I2, I3 | Obvious inclusions | Yes | Not recommended for engagement jewelry |
What Clarity Diamond Is Best?
The best clarity for a diamond depends on your purpose, budget, and ring size. Here’s a breakdown:
| Purpose | Recommended Clarity | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement Ring (Under 1.5ct) | VS2 or SI1 | Eye-clean with excellent value |
| Engagement Ring (Over 2ct) | VS1 or higher | Larger stones reveal flaws more easily—go for near-perfect |
| Luxury, Investment, Heirloom | FL or IF | Absolute top-tier clarity, exceptional rarity |
| Statement Fashion Jewelry | SI1 or VS2 | Budget-friendly and visually brilliant for daily wear |
What is VS2 Clarity in a Diamond?
VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2) is one of the most popular choices. It offers:
Minimal inclusions are visible only under magnification
Clean appearance to the naked eye
Great balance of price and beauty
At KRK Jewels, VS2 clarity diamonds are our most recommended for buyers who want brilliance without overpaying for invisible perfection.
How Does Diamond Clarity Affect Price?
Diamond clarity plays a significant role in pricing, but it’s just one part of the equation. Two diamonds of the same carat, cut, and color can have drastically different prices based on clarity alone.
Here’s how clarity impacts price:
| Clarity Grade | Estimated Price Impact (Compared to SI1) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FL | +40% to +60% | Ultra rare and flawless under magnification |
| IF | +30% to +50% | Internally perfect, nearly flawless |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | +20% to +40% | Microscopic inclusions, luxury tier |
| VS1 / VS2 | Baseline to +15% | Eye-clean with excellent price-to-clarity ratio |
| SI1 | Baseline (Reference) | Best balance of price and appearance |
| SI2 | –10% to –20% | May show flaws under close inspection |
| I1 / I2 / I3 | –30% to –60% | Obvious flaws, reduced brilliance |
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to buy flawless diamonds to get stunning brilliance. A VS2 or SI1 diamond often looks identical to a flawless one to the naked eye, at a fraction of the cost.
At KRK Jewels, we help you find the sweet spot: a diamond with eye-clean clarity and the best value for your budget.
What Is the Highest Clarity Diamond?
The highest clarity diamond is FL (Flawless). It has zero inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. These are extremely rare and come with a high price tag—ideal for collectors or once-in-a-lifetime pieces.
What is I2 Diamond Clarity?
I2 clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are visible without magnification. These flaws can impact both the appearance and structural integrity. We do not recommend I2 clarity for engagement rings or solitaire settings unless the budget is extremely limited.
Diamond Clarity Grades: From Most to Least Rare
| Rank | Clarity Grade | Rarity | Eye Clean? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FL | Extremely rare | Yes |
| 2 | IF | Very rare | Yes |
| 3 | VVS1, VVS2 | Rare | Yes |
| 4 | VS1, VS2 | Common, desirable | Yes |
| 5 | SI1 | Common, budget-smart | Sometimes |
| 6 | SI2 | Common | Often not |
| 7 | I1, I2, I3 | Very common | No |
Conclusion: What Clarity Should You Choose?
Choose VS2 or VS1 if you want an eye-clean, elegant diamond at a smart price.
Choose VVS or IF if you’re gifting or investing in something truly luxurious.
Choose SI1 only if you’re working with a tighter budget, especially for diamonds under 1 carat.
At KRK Jewels, we offer a wide range of diamonds from VS2 to FL, with certification and quality you can trust. Every diamond we sell is carefully selected to ensure brilliance and value, so you can wear your story with pride.
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