By Nick Coutu
Diamond Clarity Chart: Understanding the Grades
A clarity grade helps you understand a diamond. It should also help you ask better questions about the particular stone you are considering.
Look at the diamond without magnification. Read the characteristics recorded on its grading report. Ask whether any of those characteristics should influence the design or your choice.
Diamond clarity chart
The GIA scale has 11 grades in six categories. The descriptions below refer to examination by a skilled grader at 10× magnification.
| Category | Grades | Meaning at 10× magnification |
|---|---|---|
| Flawless | FL | Neither inclusions nor blemishes are visible. |
| Internally Flawless | IF | No inclusions are detected at 10×; only surface blemishes are present. |
| Very, Very Slightly Included | VVS1, VVS2 | Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to detect. |
| Very Slightly Included | VS1, VS2 | Minor inclusions vary in how readily a skilled grader can find them. |
| Slightly Included | SI1, SI2 | Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader. |
| Included | I1, I2, I3 | Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency, brilliance or durability. |
Source: GIA — Diamond Clarity. This table explains the scale; it does not grade an individual diamond.
Since 1 October 2025, GIA has issued overall Premium or Standard assessments for qualifying lab-grown diamonds in the D–Z colour range. Check the issuing laboratory and report date when reading a lab-grown diamond's report. GIA's reporting update.
What will you see without magnification?
As a practical shopping guide, SI inclusions may be visible to the naked eye, while I-grade diamonds commonly have inclusions visible without magnification. Visibility still depends on the individual stone and viewing conditions; these are useful expectations, not the formal definition of either grade.
IF means no inclusions detected under the grading conditions, rather than a claim that none could exist at any magnification. For VVS and VS, magnification helps distinguish how difficult the inclusions are to find. GIA considers their size, number, location, nature and how strongly they contrast with the diamond when assigning the grade.
Ask to assess the actual stone and to understand the conditions behind any description of its appearance. Enlarged video can help you inspect details, but should be considered alongside an ordinary viewing assessment.
An eye-clean description concerns what is visible without magnification. It is not a GIA clarity grade or a guarantee against durability concerns; ask about the nature and location of any inclusions. GIA — Clarity and Durability.
Questions worth asking
- Which characteristics determined this stone's grade?
- What is visible without magnification?
- Is there a durability concern that matters for the intended ring?
- What would change in the appearance or quote if we considered another stone?
You do not need to become a diamond grader to choose thoughtfully. Bring the report, the stone and the design into the same conversation.
Choose with the ring in mind
At Lessard Coutu, the centre stone belongs in a larger design decision. Tell us what you want the ring to express, what your partner enjoys and which preferences are essential. We can discuss those details as part of your commission.
Explore engagement ring settings · Discover the collection · Enter the Engagement Ring Atelier