Diamond Clarity: VVS vs VS vs SI — What Can You Actually See?

Diamond clarity grades are one of the most confusing parts of buying a diamond - and one of the most commonly overspent on. Here's what actually matters.

## What Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity measures how many internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes a diamond has. The scale runs from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) down to Included (flaws visible to the naked eye).

The grades, from highest to lowest:

- **FL/IF** - Flawless / Internally Flawless
- **VVS1/VVS2** - Very Very Slightly included (very hard to find flaws under 10x)
- **VS1/VS2** - Very Slightly included (difficult to see flaws under 10x)
- **SI1/SI2** - Slightly Included (flaws visible under 10x, sometimes to naked eye)
- **I1/I2/I3** - Included (flaws visible to the naked eye)

## What Can You Actually See?

Here's the honest truth: with the naked eye (no magnification), you cannot see the difference between any of these grades:

- FL vs VVS1 vs VVS2 vs VS1 vs VS2

The inclusions in VS diamonds are invisible to the naked eye. You need a jeweller's loupe (10x magnification) to see them.

Even SI1 diamonds often look "clean" to the naked eye - especially in shapes like round or oval where inclusions can be hidden under the facet pattern.

## Where the Clarity Grades Actually Matter

**In round brilliant diamonds:** Facets hide inclusions well. VS2 and even SI1 can appear eye-clean.

**In emerald and asscher cuts:** These step-cut diamonds have large, flat facets that act like windows - inclusions are much more visible. Stick to VS1 or higher for these shapes.

**In oval, pear, and marquise:** Brilliant-cut shapes hide inclusions better. SI1 can often be eye-clean.

**In solitaire settings:** A single diamond with no side stones - any inclusions won't be hidden by other stones. Consider VS2 or higher.

**In halo or pave settings:** Many small stones surround the centre diamond. Focus budget on the centre stone; the setting hides a lot.

## The Price Trap

Here's what many buyers do: they pay for VVS1/VVS2 when they can't see any difference from VS2. On a 1-carat natural diamond, the jump from VS2 to VVS1 can be R20,000-R40,000 - for literally invisible differences.

That's money you could put toward a better cut (which IS visible) or a larger carat weight (which IS visible).

## Our Recommendation

**Smart buyers choose VS2 or SI1** for most shapes. The only exceptions:

- Emerald and asscher cuts: VS1 minimum
- Investment-grade diamonds: VVS1-VVS2 (for certification purposes)
- If you're particularly inclusions-averse: VS1 for peace of mind

**Never choose I1-I3** - inclusions are visible without magnification and can affect the diamond's structural integrity and brilliance.

## Compare Clarity at Diagem

Browse our certified diamonds and use the filter to compare different clarity grades side by side. Every stone is certified by GIA or IGI:

- [Natural Diamonds](/pages/natural-diamonds)
- [Lab-Grown Diamonds](/pages/lab-grown-diamonds)
- [Ask Our Experts](/pages/contact-us)

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