What is the GIA Clarity Scale for diamonds?
Diamonds have internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Together, these are a diamond’s clarity characteristics. A clarity grade is determined by the relative absence of clarity characteristics. Flawless (FL): no blemishes or inclusions when examined by a skilled grader under 10× magnification. Internally Flawless (IF): no inclusions when examined by a skilled grader, and only insignificant blemishes under 10×. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): contain minute inclusions that are difficult for even a skilled grader to locate under 10×. VVS1: extremely difficult to see, visible only from the pavilion or small and shallow enough to be removed by minor repolishing. VVS2: very difficult to see. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): contain minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) for a trained grader to see under 10×. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): contain noticeable inclusions that are easy (SI1) or very ea
