Let us be honest. Most people do not buy diamonds for the technical breakdown. They buy them because they sparkle, make them feel confident, and pair well with cappuccino selfies.
But somewhere along the way, someone throws out words like VS1 or SI2, and suddenly it feels like you are stuck in a science lecture with no notes and no coffee.
Fear not. We are here to explain diamond clarity in a way that does not require a microscope or a PhD. Just simple facts, a little humor, and a lot of sparkle.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly how to judge clarity without second guessing yourself. And more importantly, you will know which clarity is right for you.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Let us start with the basics.
Diamond clarity refers to how clean or flawless a diamond is on the inside and outside. That means no scratches, no cloudy areas, no black spots, and no tiny alien spaceships (okay, maybe not that last one).
Every diamond — even lab grown ones — forms under pressure. That process can create inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws).
Clarity is simply a way to grade how many of those exist and how visible they are.
Why Should You Care?
Because clarity affects how a diamond looks, sparkles, and costs.
A flawless diamond is rare and expensive. A slightly included one might have a tiny dot that you can only see with a microscope, but it costs a lot less and looks exactly the same to the naked eye.
So understanding clarity is not about chasing perfection. It is about knowing when it actually matters and when you can save some money without sacrificing beauty.
The Official Clarity Grades (But Made Simple)
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) uses a scale that goes from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included).
Here is the breakdown, translated from gem-speak to real life:
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FL (Flawless): No inclusions, even under 10x magnification. These diamonds are rare and come with a price tag that makes you blink twice.
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IF (Internally Flawless): Same as above, but might have a tiny blemish on the surface. Still incredibly rare.
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VVS1 / VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Tiny inclusions that even trained gemologists struggle to find under magnification.
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VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Small inclusions. You will not see them without a loupe. Great balance of clarity and price.
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SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are a little more noticeable under magnification, but often invisible to the eye. Great for budget-friendly sparkle.
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I1 / I2 / I3 (Included): Inclusions that are visible without magnification. These diamonds may look cloudy or imperfect to the naked eye.
At The Blinwiz, we typically recommend VS1, VS2, or SI1 clarity for most everyday jewelry — especially if you are shopping smart. They give you the beauty without the hefty markup.
What Do Inclusions Look Like?
Here is the fun part. Inclusions can come in different forms:
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Pinpoints: Tiny white dots
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Feathers: Little internal cracks that look like lines
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Clouds: Hazy areas made of multiple pinpoints
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Crystals: Tiny minerals trapped inside
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Needles: Long thin lines
Sounds scary? Do not worry. Most of these are so small you will never notice them. And they do not affect how strong your diamond is unless they are massive (which we never sell, so you are safe).
Can You Actually See These Imperfections?
Most of the time, no.
Clarity is graded under 10x magnification. That is ten times closer than the average mirror selfie. You are not walking around with a jeweler’s loupe hanging from your neck, so what you really care about is eye-clean clarity — which means you cannot see the inclusions unless you try really hard.
This is why so many customers choose SI1 or VS2 clarity. You get the sparkle and the size without overpaying for something only a microscope can see.
Lab Grown Diamonds and Clarity
Lab grown diamonds — like the ones we use at The Blinwiz — are also graded for clarity using the same system.
The cool thing? Lab diamonds tend to have fewer flaws compared to mined diamonds because the environment is more controlled.
So you are more likely to get a higher clarity diamond at a better price. Win-win.
And yes, they are real diamonds. We say it often because it is still surprising to some people.
Does Clarity Affect Sparkle?
Only slightly. What really affects sparkle is the cut of the diamond. That is what determines how light reflects and bounces.
A diamond with a slightly lower clarity but an excellent cut will often look brighter and more dazzling than a flawless diamond with a dull cut.
So if you have to choose, always prioritize cut first. Then look at clarity.
Quick Tips to Choose the Right Clarity
Here is a cheat sheet:
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Want flawless but not rich? Go for VS1 or VS2
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Want maximum sparkle on a budget? Try SI1
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Buying a large center stone? Consider VS clarity to stay safe
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Buying studs or a pendant where the diamond is smaller? You can go with SI2 or even I1, as long as it looks clean
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Want the best of both worlds? Ask The Blinwiz team for our most balanced picks
Remember, no one is going to stop you in the street and ask about your diamond clarity report. They will just admire how stunning your ring or earrings look.
Final Thoughts
Diamond clarity is important — but not everything. It is just one piece of the puzzle. And in many cases, a small inclusion or two can save you a lot without affecting how your jewelry looks or feels.
At The Blinwiz, we are here to help you make smart, stylish, and sparkling decisions. Whether you want flawless perfection or a stunning piece that fits your life and your budget, we have got you covered.
So go ahead. Make clarity your friend, not your fear. And wear your diamonds with confidence — because trust us, they look amazing on you.
