Diamond clarity
Diamond clarity is how clean a diamond is: how few marks it has inside, and on its surface. It is graded on 11 steps, from Flawless (F) to Included (I3).
- Graders judge clarity under 10x magnification.
- Marks inside the stone are called inclusions. Marks on the surface are called blemishes.
- There are 11 grades, from Flawless down to Included (I3).
Clarity chart: the 11 grades, best first
Odds in RXXO- FFlawlessNothing inside or on the surface, even at 10x.1 in 330
- IFInternally FlawlessNothing inside. Only tiny marks on the surface.1 in 330
- VVS1Very, very slightly includedMarks so small a skilled grader struggles to find them.1 in 40
- VVS2Very, very slightly includedStill very hard to find, a touch easier than VVS1.1 in 20
- VS1Very slightly includedSmall marks, found with effort under magnification.1 in 14
- VS2Very slightly includedMinor marks, a little easier to find than in a VS1.1 in 11
- SI1Slightly includedMarks are noticeable under magnification.1 in 9
- SI2Slightly includedMarks are easier to notice than in an SI1.1 in 8
- I1IncludedMarks are obvious and can dull the sparkle.1 in 7
- I2IncludedMore obvious marks.1 in 6
- I3IncludedThe most marks. They can affect sparkle and strength.1 in 5
In RXXO
In RXXO, Flawless and Internally Flawless together are about 1 in 170. The most common grade is I3, about 1 in 5.
Flawless RXXO diamonds
Look closer
What decides the grade
Five things: how many marks there are, how big they are, where they sit, what kind they are, and how much they stand out. The grade sums up the whole stone, even though most marks only show under magnification.
What most jewellery holds
Most diamonds in jewellery shops fall between VS and SI. The top grades are uncommon.
Clarity and shape
Shapes with long, open facets, like the emerald cut, show marks easily, so VS2 or better suits them. Pointed shapes like the princess can hide marks in the corners.
Questions
What is the best diamond clarity?
Flawless: nothing can be seen inside or on the surface under 10x magnification. In RXXO, about 1 in 330 diamonds is Flawless.
What does VVS mean?
Very, very slightly included. The marks are so small that even a skilled grader has trouble finding them at 10x.
What is the difference between VS1 and VS2?
Both are very slightly included: the marks are found with effort at 10x. In a VS1 they are a little harder to find than in a VS2.
Is VS1 or VS2 better?
VS1. Both are very slightly included, but the marks in a VS1 are a little harder to find.
What does SI mean in diamond clarity?
Slightly included: marks are noticeable under 10x magnification. SI1 is a step above SI2.
Can you see inclusions without magnification?
In the higher grades, no. Many marks only show at 10x or under a microscope. In the I grades they are obvious and can affect sparkle and strength.
RXXO numbers are the odds every mint draws from. Updated 8 October 2026.