Diamond Clarity Chart: What FL, VVS, VS and SI Actually Look Like

Buying a diamond ring often feels like a high-stakes guessing game where you are pressured to pay thousands of pounds extra for microscopic features you cannot even see. Many buyers worry about wasting their hard-earned money on a flawless grade when a much cheaper stone looks identical to the naked eye. To make an informed decision, you need to understand how a diamond clarity chart translates to real-world appearance. By learning what Flawless (FL), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), and Slightly Included (SI) actually look like, you can save up to 40% on your stone without compromising on visual beauty.

What is a diamond clarity chart?

A diamond clarity chart is a standardised grading system used by gemmological laboratories to assess the presence of internal characteristics called inclusions and external features called blemishes. These charts categorise diamonds into 11 distinct grades based on how visible these natural imperfections are under 10x magnification. While every natural diamond is formed under intense heat and pressure over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds also develop microscopic characteristics during their growth process. Understanding this chart allows you to identify where a stone's imperfections lie and whether they will affect its overall brilliance or structural durability.

How does the diamond clarity scale work from Flawless to Included?

The diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL), where no imperfections are visible under 10x magnification, down to Included (I3), where prominent inclusions are easily seen with the naked eye. Gemmologists assess clarity based on five key factors: the size of the inclusions, their number, their position within the stone, their colour or relief, and their impact on the diamond's durability. A single dark spot right under the table facet will lower a diamond's grade much more than several light pinpoints hidden near the outer edge. This systematic approach ensures that two diamonds with the same carat weight and colour can be priced accurately using the diamond clarity chart.

Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)

Flawless (FL) diamonds show absolutely no inclusions or blemishes when examined by an expert gemmologist under 10x magnification. Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are similarly free of internal inclusions but may carry minor surface blemishes from the polishing process. These stones represent less than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds in existence, which makes them highly sought after by collectors and commands a massive price premium. For the vast majority of buyers, paying a 30% to 50% premium for an FL or IF diamond is unnecessary because these differences are completely invisible without professional laboratory equipment.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) diamonds contain microscopic inclusions that are extremely difficult for even a qualified gemmologist to locate under 10x magnification. In VVS1 diamonds, these tiny pinpoints or needles are usually only visible from the pavilion (the bottom half of the stone), while in VVS2 diamonds, they can be spotted with difficulty from the crown (the top). To the naked eye, a VVS diamond is completely clean, offering the visual purity of a flawless stone at a significantly lower price point. If you value exceptional purity but want to avoid the collector-level premiums of Flawless grades, VVS is an excellent choice.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

Very Slightly Included (VS) diamonds contain minor inclusions, such as small crystals, clouds, or feathers, that are clearly visible under 10x magnification but remain invisible to the unaided eye. VS1 diamonds have smaller, more difficult-to-locate inclusions, whereas VS2 diamonds may have slightly larger or more centrally located features. For most buyers, the VS2 grade represents the absolute sweet spot of the diamond clarity chart because it offers a guaranteed eye-clean appearance while saving thousands of pounds compared to higher grades. This makes VS2 an incredibly popular choice for those selecting stones from our engagement rings collection.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Slightly Included (SI) diamonds feature noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification that may or may not be visible to the naked eye depending on their position and colour. In an SI1 diamond, the inclusions are typically eye-clean when viewed from a standard distance of about 15 to 20 centimetres, making them highly cost-effective. SI2 diamonds, however, often feature inclusions that can be spotted by an attentive observer without magnification, particularly in larger stone sizes. If you are working with a strict budget, a carefully selected SI1 diamond can look spectacular, but you must verify the stone's specific inclusion pattern first.

Included (I1, I2, and I3)

Included (I) diamonds contain prominent inclusions that are clearly visible to the naked eye and can severely impact the stone's brilliance and structural integrity. These imperfections often appear as large black spots, cloudy areas that make the diamond look milky, or deep fractures that make the stone vulnerable to chipping. We do not use I-grade diamonds at Qutahia because we believe every piece of jewellery should maintain its structural strength and natural sparkle over decades of daily wear. Avoiding these lowest grades ensures your custom-made piece remains durable and bright.

Why does diamond shape affect how clarity looks?

Diamond shape directly dictates how easily your eye can spot internal inclusions, with step-cut shapes being far less forgiving than brilliant-cut shapes. Step-cut diamonds, such as Emerald and Asscher cuts, feature large, open, flat facets that act like windows directly into the centre of the stone. For these shapes, we highly recommend choosing at least a VS2 or VS1 grade to ensure no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. In contrast, brilliant cuts like Round, Cushion, and Pear shapes feature complex facet patterns that reflect light from multiple angles, helping to mask small imperfections. To learn more about how shape, cut, and clarity interact, read our detailed guide on diamond oval engagement rings.

How can you find an eye-clean diamond without overpaying?

You can find an eye-clean diamond without overpaying by focusing on the VS2 and SI1 grades and examining the specific location of the inclusions on the grading report. Always look for table-clean diamonds, which means the central area directly under the flat top facet is free of dark crystals or heavy clouds. Inclusions located near the outer edges (girdle) are much easier to hide beneath the metal claws of your chosen setting. Additionally, choosing a reputable grading certificate is vital to ensure the clarity grade is accurate and unbiased. For a deeper understanding of how these independent laboratories evaluate stones, explore our guide on diamond certification explained.

Designing Your Custom Diamond Jewellery with Qutahia

Every custom diamond ring we design is created in our own workshop in Türkiye, allowing us to cut out retail markups and pass those savings directly to you. We work exclusively with solid gold, offering 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct options to suit your preference. To protect your skin, all our custom pieces are produced in accordance with REACH nickel-release standards, ensuring they are safe for daily wear. While our pieces carry their respective gold fineness stamp (375 for 9ct, 585 for 14ct, or 750 for 18ct) marked in our workshop rather than a UK Assay Office hallmark, we guarantee the absolute purity and authenticity of every gram of gold we use.

What are the lead times and warranties for Qutahia commissions?

Our lead time is 10-14 days for simpler designs (solitaire, classic pavé) and 4-6 weeks for more complex commissions (intricate settings, less common stone shapes/sizes, fully bespoke designs), plus separate postage time on top of either. This tiered production schedule ensures that our master craftspeople can dedicate the necessary time to perfect your custom design without rushing. To give you complete peace of mind, every custom piece we create is backed by our comprehensive 1-YEAR REPAIR & RESIZING WARRANTY. This warranty covers any manufacturing adjustments needed to make your ring fit comfortably and securely.

How to balance the 4Cs to maximise your budget?

Balancing the 4Cs—Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight—is the key to getting the most beautiful stone for your budget. We always advise prioritising Cut above all else, as an Excellent or Ideal cut diamond will reflect light so intensely that it can mask a lower colour or clarity grade. For colour, choosing a G, H, or I grade offers a nearly colourless look that appears bright white when set in white, yellow, or rose gold. By pairing an Excellent cut with a G colour and a VS2 clarity grade on the diamond clarity chart, you get a stone that looks spectacular to the naked eye while avoiding the steep price curve of top-tier grades.

How does Qutahia handle diamond certification?

To ensure you get exactly what you pay for, larger centre stones come with internationally recognised, independent certification (IGI/GIA), which is the industry standard for that stone size. Smaller diamonds are still certified, but via Qutahia's own certification rather than a third-party lab. This dual approach ensures that every diamond in your custom piece is thoroughly vetted, whether it is a commanding centre stone or a delicate pavé setting. By providing transparent certification for all our diamonds, we offer a straightforward, honest buying experience that eliminates the guesswork from your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VS2 better than SI1 on a diamond clarity chart?

Yes, a VS2 diamond sits higher on the diamond clarity chart than an SI1 diamond, meaning its inclusions are smaller and harder to detect. While both grades can look completely clean to the naked eye, a VS2 diamond provides a safer guarantee of being eye-clean, especially in stones weighing over 1.00 carat.

Can you see SI2 inclusions with the naked eye?

Yes, inclusions in an SI2 diamond are frequently visible to the naked eye, particularly if they are dark in colour or located directly under the centre table facet. While they are much more affordable, we recommend viewing a high-definition video or seeking expert advice before purchasing an SI2 stone to ensure the imperfections are not distracting.

Are lab-grown diamonds graded on the same diamond clarity chart?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are graded using the exact same diamond clarity chart and standards as natural diamonds. Because they are grown under simulated mantle conditions, they can still develop internal characteristics like metallic inclusions or clouds. You can view our full range of certified stones in our lab-grown diamond engagement rings collection.

What is the best diamond clarity for an engagement ring?

The best diamond clarity for an engagement ring is typically VS2 because it offers a completely eye-clean appearance at a much more reasonable price than VVS or Flawless grades. This allows you to allocate more of your budget toward a higher carat weight or a superior cut grade, which has a far greater impact on the stone's overall sparkle.

How do black inclusions affect a diamond's appearance?

Black inclusions, which are usually tiny carbon crystals trapped inside the diamond during its formation, can significantly dull a stone's brilliance if they are large or centrally located. Unlike white or translucent inclusions, black spots absorb light rather than reflecting it, making them much easier to spot with the naked eye.

Do small accent diamonds need high clarity grades?

No, small accent diamonds do not require high clarity grades because their individual facets are too small for the human eye to detect microscopic inclusions. Accent stones are typically graded as VS or SI, which provides an excellent balance of bright sparkle and cost efficiency without inflating the overall price of your jewellery.

What is the difference between a gold fineness stamp and a UK hallmark?

A gold fineness stamp is marked directly in our workshop in Türkiye to indicate the purity of the precious metal (375 for 9ct, 585 for 14ct, or 750 for 18ct), whereas a UK hallmark is applied by a UK Assay Office. Qutahia pieces are made in our own workshop in Türkiye and carry a gold fineness stamp (375 for 9ct, 585 for 14ct, or 750 for 18ct); they are not UK Assay Office hallmarked. To learn more about the symbols used in the general UK system, you can read our hallmark symbols UK guide.

Where can I collect my custom diamond ring in the UK?

You can collect your finished custom diamond jewellery by appointment from our UK operations partner, Big Gold Jewellery, 51 Jameson Street, Hull HU1 3JA. Please note that because we operate as an online-first, workshop-direct brand, this location does not stock our jewellery on-site for general browsing.

Because we manufacture every piece directly in our workshop, our custom commission capacity is strictly limited to 15 bespoke designs per month to maintain our high standards. If you have an upcoming proposal or anniversary, we recommend booking a brief online consultation today to secure your production slot and Start Your Design with us.

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