Diamond Clarity Spans 5 Categories
The GIA diamond grading scale is divided into 5 categories and 11 diamond clarity grades.
I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds
- I clarity diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
- Shiv Shambu does not sell I clarity grade loose diamonds for engagement ring designs
- Shiv Shambu does offer a limited selection of jewelry preset with I1 diamonds
SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds
- Inclusions are noticeable at 10x magnification
- If eye clean, SI diamonds are often the best value
- SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side
VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds
- Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x magnification
- Great value; Shiv Shambu’s most popular diamond clarity
VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds
- VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes to see under 10x magnification
- VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance
- Characteristics are minuscule and difficult to see under 10x magnification, even to a trained eye
Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds and Flawless (FL) Diamonds
Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope on IF diamonds
- IF diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics set the grade
- Visually eye clean
- No internal or external characteristics
- FL clarity
- A flawless diamond is incredibly rare because it’s nearly impossible to find a diamond 100% free of inclusions