Clarity Grading

GIA Clarity Grading Scale

The 4 c’s grading system for diamonds (colour, clarity, carat, cut) was created by GIA (The Gemmological Institute of America) with the clarity scale including six main categories

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Flawless (FL)

Definition: No inclusions or blemishes inside the diamond or on the surface.

Rarity: Extremely rare and expensive.

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Internally Flawless (IF)

Definition: No inclusions inside the diamond, only minor surface blemishes visible under 20x magnification.

Value: Slightly less expensive than FL but still highly prized.

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Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Definition: Tiny inclusions that are near impossible to see under 10x magnification.

Difference:

  • VVS1: Inclusions are closer to the edges or harder to detect.
  • VVS2: Inclusions may be slightly more noticeable but still very minor.

Rarity: Excellent quality, often chosen for high-value diamonds.

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Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) *Our lowest grade stocked

Definition: Minor inclusions typically invisible to the naked eye but potentially visible under 10x magnification.

Difference:

  • VS1: Inclusions are smaller and less noticeable than VS2.
  • VS2: Slightly more prominent inclusions, but still not visible without magnification.

Value: Offers a balance between quality and cost.

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Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Definition: Noticeable inclusions visible under 10x magnification, and sometimes visible to the naked eye (especially in SI2).

Difference:

  • SI1: Inclusions may be difficult to see without magnification.
  • SI2: Inclusions are often visible to the naked eye, depending on size and placement.

Budget-Friendly: Popular for maximising size while staying within budget.

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Included (I1, I2, I3)

Definition: Obvious inclusions visible to the naked eye that can impact transparency and brilliance.

Impact:

  • I1: Inclusions are noticeable but may still be acceptable for some buyers.
  • I2 & I3: Inclusions are large, affecting durability and significantly reducing beauty.

Cost: Least expensive, but quality is often compromised.

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