Skip to content
Key Takeaways
- Diamond clarity ratings were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a way to evaluate the presence of inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external), which affect the diamond’s rarity, value, and eye appeal.
- The industry-standard 11-point scale is divided into six categories: Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very, Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included, and Included.
- Some categories have sub-grades that further categorize the clarity of diamonds.
- Madera Bands uses VVS2 diamonds.
- VVS2 means any inclusions are only detectable with a trained eye and specialized magnification equipment.
When picking out the perfect diamond wedding band or engagement ring, it’s important to consider the 4Cs of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.
Diamond clarity ratings were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a standardized system for determining the value of a diamond based on the size, number, location, and visibility of tiny “birthmarks” called inclusions (internal) or blemishes (external).
In this guide, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about diamond clarity so you can make an informed decision when shopping for diamond wedding bands and engagement rings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clarity scale for diamonds?
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale is the industry-standard grading system for evaluating the presence of inclusions and blemishes. The 11-point scale plays a significant role in determining the diamond’s eye appeal and rarity, which affect its value.
What are the different types of diamond clarity?
The scale’s six main diamond clarity ratings are: Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very, Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included, and Included.
Some categories are further broken down into sub-grades for additional clarification. For example, the Very, Very Slightly Included category includes VVS1 and VVS2 sub-grades.
What does VVS2 mean in diamonds?
VVS2 means the diamond is Very, Very Slightly Included. The inclusions are extremely difficult to detect, even for a professional grader using specialized magnification equipment.
A VVS2 diamond’s inclusions are slightly more detectable than those of a VVS1 diamond, but the difference is negligible to the naked eye.
Is a VVS2 diamond good?
Yes, VVS2 is one of the most desirable diamond clarity ratings because it represents “practical perfection.” VVS2 diamonds are “eye-clean,” which means flaws are invisible to the naked eye.
VVS2 diamonds are a fantastic value, offering exceptional eye appeal at a cost-effective price. Here at Madera Bands, we use VVS2 diamonds to give you the best of both worlds: breathtaking beauty and purity at a competitive price.
Which is better: VVS2 or VS1?
A VVS2 diamond is better than a VS1 diamond because it has a lower presence of inclusions. The extra “V” means VVS2 is Very, Very Slightly Included, as opposed to just Very Slightly Included.
How rare is a VVS2 diamond?
VVS2 diamonds are extremely rare. Less than 1% of the world’s mined diamonds are VVS2!
Is VVS2 clarity a good investment?
Yes, the VVS2 diamond clarity rating offers the perfect balance of eye appeal and affordability. What does VVS2 mean in diamond pricing? It means you’re getting a nearly flawless diamond without breaking the bank!
Which clarity diamond is best?
Flawless (FL) diamonds are the rarest and most valuable. Some jewelers go a lifetime without ever seeing one.
So, What Is the Clarity Scale for Diamonds?
Now that you have a fundamental understanding of what the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale is and how it works, here’s a complete guide to all six categories and all 11 sub-grades.
1. Flawless (FL)
Flawless is often referred to as the “unicorn” of diamond clarity ratings. Even when closely scrutinized under 10x magnification by an experienced grader, the diamond will be completely pure with no inclusions or blemishes.
2. Internally Flawless (IF)
Internally Flawless diamonds don’t have internal inclusions, but they may have light blemishes on the surface, typically caused during polishing.
3. Very, Very Slightly Included ( VVS1 & VVS2)
Very, Very Slightly Included diamonds have microscopic inclusions. Even when inspected by a professional using 10x magnification, inclusions are barely detectable.
- VVS1: Inclusions may only be visible from underneath the diamond or barely visible under magnification.
- VVS2: VVS2 is one of the most popular diamond clarity ratings because the inclusions can only be viewed under very close scrutiny with a magnifier.
4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2)
Very Slightly Included diamonds tend to be eye-clean, but magnification will reveal minor inclusions.
- VS1: Inclusions are visible under magnification, but still fairly difficult to detect.
- VS2: Inclusions are somewhat easy to detect under magnification.
5. Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2)
Slightly Included diamonds have inclusions that are easy to observe under magnification.
- SI1: These diamonds are usually eye-clean, but a sharp eye may be able to spot inclusions.
- SI2: A naked eye will likely detect inclusions when the diamond is inspected closely.
6. Included (I1, I2, & I3)
Included diamond clarity ratings have inclusions that are unmistakable under magnification and typically visible to the naked eye.
- I1: The inclusions are apparent but may not affect the stone’s brilliance.
- I2: There are significant inclusions that may give the diamond an opaque or cloudy appearance. The inclusions may also diminish the stone’s structural integrity.
- I3: I3 diamonds are like I2 diamonds, but the inclusions are more prominent.
Shop Stunning Diamond Rings
At Madera Bands, we offer solitaire diamond engagement rings with VVS2 diamond clarity ratings. Discover your dream ring today!