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Diamond Clarity Explained
From Flawless to SI — what the clarity scale measures, and where the visible difference actually stops.
The scale
Clarity describes internal inclusions and surface blemishes assessed under 10x magnification. The scale runs FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, then I1 to I3.
VVS — very very slightly included — means inclusions are extremely difficult to locate even under magnification. It is the range our house is named for.
Eye-clean is the practical threshold
Most stones from VS2 upward are eye-clean at normal viewing distance. Beyond that point you are paying for rarity documented on paper rather than a difference the eye can see.
Where clarity matters most is in step cuts such as emerald and Asscher, whose open tables show inclusions far more readily than a brilliant cut.
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