What is clarity in a diamond or gemstone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Clarity is one of the four main quality factors used to assess diamonds and other gemstones, measuring how free the stone is from internal characteristics called inclusions and external features called blemishes. The GIA clarity scale for diamonds runs from Flawless at the top, through categories like Very Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included and Slightly Included, down to Included at the bottom. A perfectly clean stone is rare; most fine jewellery diamonds fall in the VS or SI range, where flaws exist but are not visible to the naked eye.
Frequently asked questions
- What clarity grade should I choose for a diamond?
- For most people, an eye-clean diamond in the SI1 to VS2 range offers the best value. Eye-clean means the inclusions are not visible without magnification in normal viewing conditions, so the stone looks flawless to a casual observer. Paying for higher grades like VVS or Flawless makes little difference to the appearance.
- Does clarity affect how much a diamond sparkles?
- Slightly, in very included stones, where large inclusions can interfere with light passing through, but for diamonds in the SI or VS range the impact on sparkle is negligible. Cut quality has a far greater influence on how much a diamond sparkles than clarity.
- Do lab-grown diamonds have better clarity than natural diamonds?
- Lab-grown diamonds are grown under controlled conditions and many are eye-clean or better, but they can still show inclusions, and they are graded on the same GIA clarity scale as natural diamonds. The range of clarity grades exists in lab-grown stones just as it does in natural ones.
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