The clarity of a diamond is the term used to describe the number and size of imperfections inside the stone. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more rare and valuable the diamond. Less than 1% of all diamonds ever found has no inclusions and can be called internally flawless (IF).
Every diamond is unique and have its own individual natural characteristics referred to as inclusions and described as "nature's fingerprints". These inclusions, such as minerals or fractures, appear while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. The number, size, color, nature and position of the inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond. The standard for grading diamond clarity is 10-power (10X) magnification. If a trained expert can see nothing under 10x, then the diamond is given a grade of internally flawless (IF) based on the GIA grading scale. The GIA clarity grades are:
Flawless: Flawless diamonds show essentially no inclusions or blemishes of any kind when examined under 10X magnification by a skilled grader.
A diamond can have these characteristics and still qualify as Flawless:
 Extra facets on the pavilion,not visible in the face-up view
Naturals entirely confined to the width of the girdle as long as they don't thicken the girdle or distort its outline
Internal graining that's not reflective, white, or colored, and that doesn't significantly affect transparency
Laser inscriptions confined to the girdle and not visible face-up
Internally Flawless(IF): An IF diamond shows only blemishes-no inclusions-when examined by a skilled grader under 10X magnification.
GIA added this grade in the 1970s to describe diamonds that don’t meet the stringent requirements for the Flawless grade. Normally, the blemishes on an IF diamond can be removed by very minor re-polishing. Light surface graining is an exception because it can’t be polished away.
Very Very Slightly Included(VVS1 And VVS2): VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification. The inclusions in a VVS1 diamond are extremely difficult to see in the face-up position, or they might be visible only through the pavilion. In VVS2, they are very difficult to see. (The GIA system uses words like “extremely” and “very” to describe subtle differences in difficulty or ease of viewing inclusions.
Under 10X, a VVS1 stone might show a minute pinpoint or two, Characteristics like reflective internal graining, a bearded girdle, minor bruises, or tiny chips could set the grade at either VVS1 or VVS2, depending on how visible they are. These inclusions are so minute and difficult to spot that VVS stones are sometimes unintentionally misrepresented as Flawless of IF, simply because a grader didn’t find them.
Very Slightly Included(VS1 And VS2): VS stones contain minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. Typical inclusions are small included crystals or feathers, distinct clouds, and groups of pinpoints. They don’t affect the stone’s beauty.
In very rare cases, a VS stone might actually contain an eye-visible inclusion. You have to consider the size, nature, position, number, and color or relief of the inclusion in relation to the size and shape of the stone. For example, an emerald cut that’s more than one carat in size can have eye-visible included crystal under the corner of the table and still be in the VS range.
Slightly Included(SI1 And SI2): SI stones contain noticeable inclusions that are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) for a trained grader to see under 10X . Typical inclusions are included crystals, clouds, and feathers. These inclusions are usually centrally located.
As is the case with the VS range, a stone with an eye-visible inclusion can be graded SI, but in general the characteristics in an SI1 diamond are not usually visible face-up without magnification. You will see eye-visible inclusions more often in an SI2 stone.
Included(I1,I2 And I3): Diamonds that fall in the I range contain inclusions that are obvious to a trained grader under 10X magnification. One or more of the following is typical of these inclustions:
They can be seen face-up without magnification
They seriously affect the stone’s durability
Internal graining that's not reflective, white, or colored, and that doesn't significantly affect transparency
The inclusions in I1 diamonds are usually quite visible to the unaided eye. In I2 they are easily visible. In I3 they are extremely easy to see and might affect the stone’s durability. Often, rough at this clarity level is used for industrial purposes. It’s faceted only if the current market demands it.
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