The Guide to Diamonds
Diamond Clarity
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. A stone is graded as flawless if, under 10-power magnification, no inclusions (internal flaws) and no blemishes (external imperfections) are visible. At Tiffany, we only accept 0.04% of the world’s gem-grade diamonds.
Does Diamond Clarity Really Matter?
A diamond with a poor clarity grade has multiple inclusions, which directly affects sparkle. Because inclusions hinder the refraction and return of light, the lower the clarity grade, the cloudier the diamond will appear.
The Tiffany Difference
Tiffany’s Clarity Standards
Diamond Education
Diamond Clarity Chart
Diamond inclusions are internal flaws. Tiffany rejects any diamond with noticeable imperfections to the unaided eye, only accepting diamonds in the FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1 and VS2 ranges.
The gemological standards in this section refer only to individually registered engagement diamonds set in certain ring styles.
The gemological standards in this section refer only to individually registered engagement diamonds set in certain ring styles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Diamond clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. A stone is graded as flawless if, under 10-power magnification, no inclusions (internal flaws) and no blemishes (external imperfections) are visible. At Tiffany, we only accept 0.04% of the world’s gem-grade diamonds.
The best diamond clarity grade is FL, flawless. Explore The Guide to Diamonds for more information on clarity and discover our clarity chart.
Diamond clarity grades a measure of the purity and rarity of a stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. Below, we’ve listed the grades on the GIA diamond clarity scale, which is used across the industry. Tiffany only accepts diamonds in the the FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1 and VS2 ranges.
FL
FL diamonds are Flawless
IF
IF diamonds are Internally Flawless
VVS1 VVS2
VVS diamonds (1 and 2) are Very, Very Slightly Included
VS1 VS2
VS diamonds (1 and 2) are Very Slightly Included
SI1 SI2
SI diamonds (1 and 2) are Slightly Included
I1 I2 I3
I diamonds (1, 2 and 3) are Imperfect
FL
FL diamonds are Flawless
IF
IF diamonds are Internally Flawless
VVS1 VVS2
VVS diamonds (1 and 2) are Very, Very Slightly Included
VS1 VS2
VS diamonds (1 and 2) are Very Slightly Included
SI1 SI2
SI diamonds (1 and 2) are Slightly Included
I1 I2 I3
I diamonds (1, 2 and 3) are Imperfect
Diamond clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. Diamond color refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds.
Diamond clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. Diamond cut is determined by how a diamond's facets interact with light and by symmetry, proportion and polish.
