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.

Diamond Clarity Chart

Diamond inclusions are internal flaws. Tiffany rejects any diamond with noticeable imperfections to the unaided eye.

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

The gemmological standards in this section refer only to individually registered engagement diamonds set in certain ring styles.

Tiffany Standard of Clarity

Tiffany’s strict diamond grading standards are executed with expertise, integrity and accuracy. When Tiffany believes that a diamond’s clarity is on the borderline between two grades, Tiffany will always assign the stone a lower grade—never falsely inflating a diamond clarity grade.

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.

“If anything takes away from the beauty of the stone, we will not accept it.”

—Hannah Jee, diamond grader

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 is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. Diamond colour 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.

The 4Cs

Cut

Cut is determined by how a diamond’s facets interact with light.

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Colour

Colour refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds.

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Carat

Carat denotes the weight of a diamond.

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Learn more about Tiffany engagement rings

Engagement Rings

In 1886, Tiffany introduced the engagement ring as we know it today. We are proud to build on that legacy as the leader in diamond traceability with responsibly sourced diamond rings.

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