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In plain terms clarity is simply how much "stuff" is inside the diamond crystal. The less the "stuff" the more they cost. This again because of rarity by lack of imperfection. Most all of the diamonds mined have inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye. A typical retail jeweler may sell a flawless clarity grade diamond once every 10 years, maybe!
This scale ranges from F to I-3. This entire scale can be divided in half, with diamonds that you can visually see the imperfections to the unaided eye, and diamonds that require 10 power magnification to see the imperfections. This division is at the I-1 clarity grade to the SI-2 clarity grade. The I-3 clarity grade will generally contain enough imperfection to dramatically reduce the amount of brilliancy and sparkle and should not be considered for "fine jewelry". However there can even be a good , as well as bad I-2 or I-1 clarity grade diamond. As an example a good I-1 clarity grade diamond would have an imperfection to the side which would be eye visible, however after being set would be covered by a prong or other feature of the setting. The less desirable I-1 clarity grade diamond would possess a very similar inclusion however because of its location would not be able to be hidden. An eye visible inclusion such as this would later prove to be a distraction to the beauty of the diamond. As with the color of the diamond , clarity is very much personal taste and if you don’t like the number of imperfections - just plan to spend more money!
| FL | FLAWLESS describes diamonds in which a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions, cannot see any inclusions at ten power magnification |
| IF | INTERNALLY
FLAWLESS describes diamonds which have no internal characteristics observable under the the same conditions as (FL), but which have minor surface blemishes that do not penetrate the stone. |
| VVS1 | VERY,
VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED describes diamonds that have very, very small inclusions which are difficult for a gemologist to see at 10x magnification. |
| VVS2 | |
| VS1 | VERY
SLIGHTLY INCLUDED describes stones with very small inclusions which can be difficult to observe with 10x magnification. Inclusions are barely visible to the unaided eye, except on some larger stones or large Emerald Cuts. |
| VS2 | |
| SI1 | SLIGHTLY
INCLUDED describes stones with small inclusions which are usually obvious when viewed with 10x magnification. Inclusions are difficult to see with the unaided eye, except on larger stones or occasionally with Emerald Cuts. |
| SI2 | |
| SI3 | |
| I1 | IMPERFECT
or PIQUE describes stones with medium to large inclusions (Piques) which are usually obvious to a gemologist with the unaided eye. An I1 may have inclusions barely visible or located to the side while an I2 will have numerous inclusions that may be centerally located. |
| I2 | |
| I3 |