Diamond Clarity Chart: FL to I3 Grades Explained

A diamond clarity chart ranks how many and how visible a diamond's internal inclusions and surface blemishes are, using 11 grades from Flawless (FL) down to Included (I3). Every grade is judged by a trained grader at 10x magnification, so most diamonds in the middle of the scale (VS and SI) look the same to the naked eye. Below you will find the full diamond clarity chart, what each grade means, and how to choose a grade that looks clean in your shape and size.

The Diamond Clarity Chart: All 11 GIA Grades

The GIA clarity scale has six categories and 11 grades, and it is the standard most labs and jewelers use worldwide.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created this scale, and its definitions are based on what a skilled grader can see with 10x magnification, not with the unaided eye. Here is the chart with GIA's own descriptions:

Grade	Name	What a skilled grader sees at 10x
FL	Flawless	No inclusions and no blemishes
IF	Internally Flawless	No inclusions; only blemishes are visible
VVS1, VVS2	Very, Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are difficult to see
VS1, VS2	Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are minor, ranging from difficult to somewhat easy to see
SI1, SI2	Slightly Included	Inclusions are noticeable
I1, I2, I3	Included	Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance

Within each pair, the "1" grade is the higher of the two. For example, VVS1 ranks above VVS2, and VS1 ranks above VS2. GIA notes that most diamonds fall in the VS or SI range, and that Flawless diamonds are so rare that most jewelers have never seen one.

How Clarity Grades Are Decided

A clarity grade reflects the size, number, position, relief and nature of a diamond's clarity characteristics as seen at 10x.

Inclusions are characteristics inside the stone or extending into it from the surface, while blemishes are confined to the surface. According to GIA, graders weigh five factors:

Size: the larger and more visible an inclusion, the lower the grade.
Number: how many characteristics are present.
Location: where the characteristic sits within the diamond.
Relief: how much the inclusion contrasts with the surrounding diamond.
Nature: the type of characteristic, such as a crystal, feather or cloud.

GIA also points out that inclusions are useful as identification marks. Because no two diamonds below FL or IF share the same set of characteristics, the plotting diagram on a grading report works like a fingerprint for your stone. Placement matters for durability too: GIA warns that large feathers near the girdle can make a diamond more prone to chipping.

What Does "Eye-Clean" Mean?

"Eye-clean" is an informal trade term for a diamond with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye when viewed face-up; it is not a lab grade.

GIA states directly that it does not use the term "eye clean." IGI explains why labs avoid it: eyesight varies from person to person, and viewing distance, direction and lighting all change whether an inclusion can be seen. A widely quoted community definition, cited by IGI, describes eye-clean as no inclusions visible face-up, in daylight-equivalent or fluorescent lighting, at 6 to 12 inches, with 20/20 vision.

Because there is no official cutoff, two diamonds with the same grade can look different, since each grade covers a range of inclusion sizes, types and locations. When eye-cleanliness matters to you, look at a magnified photo or video of the actual stone, and check where its inclusions are plotted on the report.

Does Clarity Matter More for Some Shapes?

Yes. Step cuts like emerald and asscher show inclusions more easily than brilliant cuts, so they usually call for a higher clarity grade.

GIA explains that the long, rectangular facets of an emerald cut make inclusions more readily visible, while the many small facets of a brilliant cut scatter light and help hide them. For emerald cuts, GIA's shape guide suggests VS2 clarity or higher, with even higher grades for stones of 2 to 3 carats or more. It gives similar advice for asscher cuts, which share the same large, open facets.

Shape group	Faceting style	How clarity shows
Emerald, asscher	Step cut (long, open facets)	Inclusions are more visible; GIA suggests VS2 or higher
Round, oval, pear, cushion	Brilliant-style faceting	Many small facets help mask small inclusions
Radiant	Brilliant-faceted rectangle or square	GIA notes its faceting helps mask inclusions
Marquise	Brilliant-style, pointed ends	GIA notes small inclusions can be concealed at either end

Size matters as well. GIA's recommendation to step up in clarity for step cuts of 2 to 3 carats or more reflects how inclusions become easier to notice in bigger stones. If you are moving up in carat weight, compare face-up sizes with our diamond size chart and on-hand simulator before deciding how much clarity you need. If you like the look of a step cut, browse emerald cut lab grown diamonds and asscher cut lab grown diamonds with their clarity grades in mind.

Is the Diamond Clarity Chart the Same for Lab Grown Diamonds?

At IGI, yes: lab grown diamonds are graded on the same FL to I3 clarity scale used for natural diamonds, but GIA changed its approach in 2025.

Lab grown diamonds also contain inclusions and blemishes, so their clarity can be graded. In July 2025, IGI confirmed it would keep applying the full 4Cs, including the FL to I3 clarity scale, to both natural and lab grown diamonds. IGI has graded lab grown diamonds since 2005, and lab grown stones made up more than half of the diamonds it grades, according to IDEX Online.

GIA took a different path. It announced in June 2025 that it would stop using its natural-diamond color and clarity terms for lab grown diamonds. Since October 1, 2025, GIA's lab grown reports place stones into "premium" or "standard" categories based on combined color, clarity and finish metrics. GIA said more than 95% of lab grown diamonds entering the market fall into a narrow range of color and clarity.

For shoppers, this means a lab grown diamond with a specific grade such as VS1 or VVS2 will usually come with an IGI report. Grown Leo's loose lab grown diamonds are IGI certified and graded VVS1 to VS2 clarity, with D to F color and Excellent cut. You can see how clarity changes the price of a lab grown stone with our lab grown diamond price calculator.

How to Choose a Clarity Grade

Choose the lowest clarity grade that looks clean to you in your chosen shape and size, then put the rest of your budget toward cut and size.

Start with shape. Round, oval and other brilliant shapes are more forgiving. Emerald and asscher cuts need higher clarity because of their open facets.
Factor in carat weight. For larger step cuts, GIA advises going higher than VS2.
Read the plot. The report diagram shows where each inclusion sits, so you can see whether any are clustered in the center of the stone.
Check durability. Avoid stones with large feathers near the girdle, which GIA flags as a chipping risk.
Compare the full 4Cs. Clarity is one of four factors. Our guide to the 4Cs of diamonds explains how cut, color and carat weight fit together.

If you are still deciding between natural and lab grown, our lab grown vs natural diamonds guide covers the differences in origin and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best clarity grade for a diamond?

Flawless (FL) is the highest grade on the GIA clarity scale, meaning a skilled grader sees no inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare, and GIA notes most jewelers have never seen one. For most buyers, a grade that looks clean to the naked eye in the chosen shape and size offers better value than paying for the very top grades.

Is VS1 or VS2 better?

VS1 is the higher grade. Both belong to the Very Slightly Included category, where GIA says inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see at 10x. A VS1 stone generally has inclusions that are slightly harder to find than a VS2 stone. In everyday wear, the difference is usually not visible without magnification.

What does VVS mean in diamonds?

VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included. It covers two grades, VVS1 and VVS2, and sits just below Internally Flawless on the GIA clarity scale. GIA defines it as inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. VVS1 is the higher of the two grades, with inclusions that are even harder to locate.

Is SI1 clarity eye-clean?

Sometimes, but not always. Eye-clean is not an official grade, and GIA does not use the term. Whether an SI1 diamond looks clean depends on the size, color and location of its inclusions, as well as the stone's shape and size. Step cuts like emerald and asscher show inclusions more easily, so check a magnified image of the actual stone before buying.

Do lab grown diamonds use the same clarity scale as natural diamonds?

IGI grades lab grown and natural diamonds on the same FL to I3 clarity scale and confirmed in July 2025 that it would continue doing so. GIA is different: since October 1, 2025, its lab grown reports use "premium" or "standard" categories instead of individual color and clarity grades. Check which lab issued the report.

What clarity is best for an emerald cut diamond?

GIA suggests VS2 clarity or higher for emerald cut diamonds, and even higher grades for stones of about 2 to 3 carats or more. The emerald cut's long, open step facets make inclusions easier to see than in brilliant cuts like round or oval. The same advice applies to asscher cuts, which use a similar step-cut faceting style.

Diamond Clarity Chart: Every Grade from FL to I3 Explained